Russian pianist Ilya Rachkovsky gives these pieces an authentically Russian Tchaikovsky reading done as much lyricism that modesty, as much humor as deduction, with never flashy virtuosity. Seasons are his fingers a beautiful cycle. Probably one of the finest he has ever given me to hear. The Sonata Op. 80, which completes the disc is not a major work of the composer, despite some passion and the art of contrasts that distinguish the music of Tchaikovsky. The most interesting is the movement Scherzo, with its dance rhythm, which in itself gives interest to the Sonata. The presence of this Scherzo on this record was one of my reasons for purchase! A beautiful piano disc!
