Rachmaninov’s 24 Preludes for piano are central to his achievement as a composer, and have attracted many recordings. Nikolai Lugansky’s dates from 2018, and is among the best available. His take on the famous Prelude in C-Sharp Minor (Track 1) is imperious—thunderously impressive while avoiding any sense of bombast. Lugansky brings a Chopin-like fluidity to the turbulent Prelude in B Flat Major (Track 3), and a strutting self-confidence to the popular “Alla marcia” Prelude No. 5 in G Minor (Track 6). Nor is Lugansky found wanting in the Preludes’ many moments of tenderness and introspection. The elusive Prelude No. 10 in G-Flat Major (Track 11) has a lucid poetry, while the Prelude No. 10 in B Minor (Track 21) assumes a virtually tragic stature. This was already a superbly recorded album when it was released, but is now available in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, bringing an extra depth and vitality to Lugansky’s sound.
- Daniil Trifonov
- Martha Argerich
- Maurizio Pollini
- Arcadi Volodos