Rachmaninov: Etudes-tableaux, Op.33 & 39 – Steven Osborne Hyperion

Steven Osborne’s thrilling new recording leaves no doubt of the Études’ unique position in Rachmaninov’s oeuvre. As brilliant as Osborne’s execution is throughout, it is his freshness of conception that, for me, is most striking. Naturally, every agogic, dynamic and tempo indication is scrupulously observed. On that firm foundation Osborne layers his inerrant rhythmic sense, chaste rubato, his seemingly infinite dynamic palette and, above all, his beautifully sculpted singing line … Rachmaninov fans won’t want to miss this; nor will connoisseurs of intelligent, meaningful piano-playing’ (Gramophone)

Études-tableaux Op 33[23’26]
1
No 1 in F minor: Allegro non troppo[2’40]
2
No 2 in C major: Allegro[2’13]
3
No 3 in C minor: Grave (Op posth.)[5’20]
4
No 5 in D minor: Moderato (Op posth.)[3’02]
5
No 6 in E flat minor: Non allegro – Presto[1’34]
6
No 7 in E flat major: Allegro con fuoco[1’39]
7
No 8 in G minor: Moderato[3’35]
8
No 9 in C sharp minor: Grave[3’23]
Études-tableaux Op 39[38’06]
9
No 1 in C minor: Allegro agitato[2’56]
10
No 2 in A minor: Lento assai[6’48]
11
No 3 in F sharp minor: Allegro molto[3’02]
12
No 4 in B minor: Allegro assai[3’37]
13
No 5 in E flat minor: Appassionato[4’49]
14
No 6 in A minor: Allegro[2’34]
15
No 7 in C minor: Lento lugubre[7’28]
16
No 8 in D minor: Allegro moderato[3’13]
17
No 9 in D major: Allegro moderato (Tempo di marcia)[3’39]
Steven Osborne, whose Rachmaninov has already been praised for its synthesis of ‘modesty, inner fire and virtuosity’ (The Observer) here turns his attention to the wonderful Études-tableaux. This is a major addition to Osborne’s discography, and repertoire in which he has few peers.