About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

This BBC release combines performances from two London recitals by the great Soviet pianist Emil Gilels. It includes his 1984 recording of seven sonatas by Scarlatti and four works by Debussy, three from Pour le piano and one from the first book of Images, as well as his 1957 recording of Beethoven's E minor Sonata, Scriabin's F sharp major Sonata, and the A minor Sonata and six Visions fugitives of Prokofiev. Much of this repertoire will be new to even Gilels' most ardent fans; Scarlatti and Scriabin figured infrequently in his recitals, and Debussy was not much more common. Gilels' Scarlatti sounds like an Italianate Mozart, his Scriabin sounds like a Russified Chopin, and his Debussy sounds like a Germanic Liszt. This is not in itself a bad thing, and Gilels' tremendous technique and complete conviction go a long way in making his accounts persuasive. In his standard repertoire, however, Gilels is, as always, an undisputed master, and his Beethoven has the prerequisite nobility and sensitivity, while his Prokofiev has the necessary power and energy. For fans of the pianist, this will be all they need to hear, and even the earlier recording's dim sound should not diminish their enjoyment, but the recording may not have the same appeal for listeners who are not already Gilels enthusiasts. Jim Leonard, All Music Guide

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