This is a well thought
out recital that shows many of Kissin's
strengths. Having heard the man in the
flesh recently at the Barbican and been
terrifically disappointed (review),
it is something of a relief to report
positively on him in the studios. This
recording was made nearly two years
ago.
The recital in effect
leads up to the Petrushka pieces,
but bear in mind this is one journey
distinctly worth making and indeed savouring.
The Scriabin Op. 15 Preludes are surprisingly
intimate - although he underplays the
Chopinesque elements in the first. There
is good fluency to the second, good
depth of sound to the third and real
hyper-delicacy in the fourth.
The Third Sonata explodes
out of the last Prelude, its initial
left-hand dramatic octave gesture heightened
in effect by its Kissin-generated context.
Kissin seems at home, too, with the
echt-Scriabinesque nervousness of the
second movement, although the moments
where Scriabin comes over all pastoral
point towards the learned emotions of
the Barbican recital. The finale is
lovely, though; as delicate as silk.
Here is the intimacy so lacking at the
Barbican.
The Medtner similarly
fares well, flowing perfectly. Delicacy
once more is a major part of the picture,
affording maximum contrast to the more
metallic touch Kissin employs for the
Stravinsky.
Of course here the
competition comes in the form of Pollini's
DG recording. Words such as 'superhuman'
were not unusual in critical circles
at the time of its first release - and
subsequent reissues. Kissin is really
the first pianist since to offer a real
viable alternative. Rhythms are infectious;
detail is astonishing. Glissandi are
worthy of mention – Kissin's intent
seems to make them sound almost electronically
generated; I was reminded more than
once of some of Stockhausen's electronic
works! There is a real sense of theatre
to the second piece, while the third
buzzes and is notable for a highly developed
sense of keyboard colour.
Amazingly this entire
CD was recorded in two days. Well worth
acquiring.
Colin Clarke
see also review
by Tony Haywood
Evgeny Kissin (piano). 
