Singing vocal lines plus phenomenal power in Lugansky's Rachmaninov

Challenged with a demanding programme of Beethoven, Franck and Rachmaninov, the Russian pianist gave proof of his personal, telluric approach to intense repertoire.

****1

Chausson the surprise standout in Sokhiev's Berlin Phil concert

Phillip Nones, 25th September

Rimsky-Korsakov and Rachmaninov may be bread-and-butter repertoire for pianist Nikolai Lugansky and conductor Tugan Sokhiev, but the stellar presentation at this Berlin Philharmonic concert was Chausson's Symphony in B flat major.

****1

Poetic Rachmaninov from Lugansky and the Philharmonia

Mark Pullinger, 3rd November

In an all-Russian matinee, the Philharmonia presents excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s ballet that lack a dance element, but Rachmaninov’s First Piano Concerto soars.

***11

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Nick Boston

Nick has an MA in Music, specialising in performance and repertoire. His particular passions are choral music, chamber music and opera, with a particular interest in early music. He sings in a number of choirs in the south east of England, plays the piano and occasionally dusts off the violin. He writes about music here.