Prokofiev, Vladimir Ovchinikov – Piano Sonatas / Toccata / 9 Pieces From "Cinderella"

Sergei Prokofiev – Piano Sonatas / Toccata / 9 Pieces From Cinderella
Performed by Vladimir Ovchinnikov

A formidable and wide-ranging collection of piano works by Sergei Prokofiev, this recording captures both the explosive modernist edge and lyrical expressiveness that define his writing for the instrument. Performed by acclaimed pianist Vladimir Ovchinnikov, the set spans Prokofiev’s early sonatas through to his mature wartime masterpieces, alongside selections from his ballet Cinderella.

The program opens with the brilliantly percussive Toccata, Op. 11, a showcase of relentless rhythm and motoric energy that set the tone for Prokofiev’s bold pianistic voice. The Cinderella excerpts reveal a contrasting world of charm and storytelling, blending graceful waltzes and delicate character pieces drawn from one of his most beloved ballets.

The heart of the collection lies in Prokofiev’s nine piano sonatas, which chart his artistic evolution across decades. From the youthful intensity of Sonata No. 1 to the psychological depth and lyrical expansiveness of Sonatas Nos. 6–8, the music moves between angular modernism, biting humour, and moments of striking emotional beauty. The famous “War Sonatas” (Nos. 6–8) stand out for their dramatic power, technical demands, and dark wartime atmosphere, while Sonata No. 9 offers a more reflective, classical clarity.

A comprehensive and demanding set, this recording highlights Prokofiev’s status as one of the 20th century’s most important and distinctive composers for piano.

Tracklist:

1. Toccata, Op. 11 (4:48)
2. Three Pieces From Cinderella, Op. 95 – I: Intermezzo (Printemps) (3:35)
3. II: Gavotte (3:07)
4. III: Valse Lente (5:14)
5. Six Pieces From Cinderella, Op. 102 – I: Valse (Cinderella And The Prince) (5:29)
6. II: Cinderella's Variation (1:50)
7. III: Quarrel (3:03)
8. IV: Valse: Cinderella's Departure For The Ball (2:04)
9. V: Pas De Châle (4:05)
10. VI: Amoroso (5:20)
11. Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 1 – Allegro (8:59)
12. Piano Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14 – I: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo (6:50)
13. II: Scherzo - Allegro Marcato (2:17)
14. III: Andante (6:19)
15. IV: Vivace (4:45)
16. Piano Sonata No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 28 – Allegro Tempestoso (8:44)
17. Piano Sonata No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 29 – I: Allegro Molto Sostenuto (6:18)
18. II: Andante Assai (9:34)
19. III: Allegro Con Brio, Ma Non Leggiero (3:48)
20. Piano Sonata No. 5 In C, Op. 38/135 – I: Allegro Tranquillo (7:14)
21. II: Andantino (4:27)
22. III: Un Poco Allegretto (4:52)
23. Piano Sonata No. 6 In A, Op. 82 – I: Allegro Moderato (9:27)
24. II: Allegretto (5:16)
25. III: Tempo Di Valzer Lentissimo (8:59)
26. IV: Vivace (7:19)
27. Piano Sonata No. 7 In B Flat, Op. 83 – I: Allegro Inquieto (8:13)
28. II: Andante Caloroso (6:58)
29. III: Precipitato (3:46)
30. Piano Sonata No. 8 In B Flat, Op. 84 – I: Andante Dolce (16:25)
31. II: Andante Sognando (4:02)
32. III: Vivace (10:38)
33. Piano Sonata No. 9 In C, Op. 103 – I: Allegretto (8:59)
34. II: Allegro Strepitoso (3:12)
35. III: Andante Tranquillo (8:25)
36. IV: Allegro Con Brio, Ma Non Troppo Presto (5:52)