Schnittke: Complete Piano Music / Smith

Simon Smith (piano)

In 2002 Simon Smith made his recording debut on Delphian in a disc of James MacMillan's complete piano music, paired with Stuart MacRae's Piano Sonata. Recordings of music by Haflioi Hallgrímsson and Thomas Wilson have followed. In this new, substantial outing Smith turns from music-making in Scotland to another of his lifelong loves, the music of Alfred Schnittke. This two-disc set comprises Schnittke's entire published output for solo piano (including one piece for piano duet and another for six hands at one keyboard.) The Russian composer's music often makes gargantuan demands of the player. Smith's technical prowess, astonishing dynamic palette and heartfelt musicality make him its ideal exponent.

Price: $39.98