Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra - Alexander Scriabin: Symphony No. 2, Op. 29 & Piano Concerto, Op. 20 (2017)

Following on from the huge success of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet (LWC1105), the Oslo Philharmonic and Vasily Petrenko again join forces on this new recording forming the next in their Scriabin series. "Gerstein and Petrenko are outstanding in the delectable central Andante, and the last movement is a blast, Scriabin's emergent quirkiness heard to striking effect in the final seconds. All good, and Lawo's sound is characteristically rich and detailed." - theartsdesk.com "...Gerstein makes a strong case for it [Piano Concerto], his fluent technique reveling in the post-Chopineque arabesques........An excellent disc." International Piano Magazine 5* "Vasily Petrenko directs a taut and noble performance of Scriabin's second symphony, recorded in beautiful sound in the Oslo Concert Hall. An excellent disc." Classical Magazine Petrenko was recognised as 'Artist of the Year' at this year's Gramophone Awards adding yet another accolade to his growing list of achievements. "As always, Petrenko proves to be the ideal concerto partner." BBC Music Magazine "The symphony is indispensible." Gramophone Magazine Critics were united in their praise for his previous recordings on Lawo: "Lovely playing all round, with beautiful solos (woodwind particularly) and clean ensemble." The Guardian Classic FM's Critic's Choice | Disc of the Week - BBC Radio 3's Record Review (LWC1105) Scriabin's Symphony No's 3 & 4 (LWC1088) hailed similar praise: " everything in the Oslo performances seems to be moving the music forward, making its final destination utterly inevitable." The Guardian "The Poem of Ecstasy is heady stuff, brilliantly played." The Sunday Times Lawo is delighted therefore to present the next in their Scriabin series, this time with Symphony No. 2 coupled with the Piano Concerto op 20, performed by talented pianist Kirill Gerstein. Pianist Kirill Gerstein's curiosity and versatility has led to a powerful engagement with a wide range of repertoire and styles. From Bach to Adès, his playing is distinguished by its clarity of expression, discerning intelligence and virtuosity. Gerstein's energetic and imaginative musical personality has taken him rapidly to the top of his profession. Vasily Petrenko is one of the most acclaimed classical recording artists alive and has won numerous accolades for his recordings of Russian repertoire, including two Gramophone awards. With the Oslo Philharmonic, he has recorded Shostakovich and Szymanowski concertos, Romeo and Juliet by Prokofiev and is in the process of recording a major new cycle of orchestral works by Alexander Scriabin; this release is the second in the series of three CDs.