Prokofiev Piano Sonatas

[Conchis]

There don't seem to be many complete sets, do there?

The 'War Sonatas' are well represented in the catalogue but few pianists seem interested in a whole cycle? I don't think even Richter did them all.

I've just ordered Yefim Bronfman's set, which seems to be highly regarded (and comes with the Concertos, too). Are there any other recommendations, either individual or collective (although there seems to be only one other complete set available)?

[Pulcinella]

I have Murray McLachlan on three separate Olympia CDs, which appear in this list (at a price) but are also included in a bargain Brilliant box with complete Scriabin and Shostakovich.
I'm not familiar enough with them to say if the performances are good or not, but the top (only!) review speaks highly of them.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=a9_sc_1?rh=i%3Apopular%2Ck%3Amclachlan+prokofiev&keywords=mclachlan+prokofiev&ie=UTF8&qid=1487500495

[rauschwerk]

I recently acquired the Raekallio set of sonatas and other pieces. So far, the only sonata I have sampled is No.7. It's brilliantly played, though he does take the finale at a helluva lick, perhaps simply because he can? Pollini's less manic account of this movement has more impact, on me at any rate.

[Pianorak]

There is Frederic Chiu - at a price!! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sergei-Prok...+piano+sonatas

I have had that set for some time and would recommend it. Can't remember what I paid, but nothing like £116.

There is also Yacov Kasman https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sergei-Prok...+piano+sonatas

Don't know that one - but I like his recording of the complete Scriabin sonatas.

Not all that keen on the Murray McLachlan set. Love the Bronfman Prokofiev concertos.

[pastoralguy]

I recently borrowed the highly regarded Melnikov disc from the local library. Very well played and recorded disc although, much as I love piano music, I do find these Prokofiev sonatas quite noisy.

There's a wonderful YouTube video of an up and coming pianist playing the last movement of one of the sonatas at an airport piano.

[Beef Oven!]

I have Gould and Pollini in 7 and Bernd Glemser in the complete set on Naxos.

Most recent listen was the Gould.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Pianorak - did you mean this link for the Kasman?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prokofiev-Piano-Sonatas-Complete-Recording-x/dp/B007CYKIJ0

[Conchis]

Thanks for all these recommendations! Keep them coming...:)

Just noticed the existence of a Boris Berman set on Chandos. Any opinions on this one?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Piano-Solo-Instrumental/Complete-Piano-Sonatas-Sergey-Prokofiev/B000007TRL/ref=pd_sbs_15_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QQAYFQECEHQFXYGZDN7R

[Pianorak]

Pianorak - did you mean this link for the Kasman?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prokofiev-P.../dp/B007CYKIJ0

Yes. Seems to be the correct link.

[mahlerei]

Peter Donohoe is recording a complete cycle for Somm; if the second and third volumes are anything like the first this should be a very distinguished outing. I can also recommend Alexandra Silocea in Sonatas 1 to 5 (Avie) and Denis Kozhukhin in the War Sonatas (Onyx). i hope very much that the latter does 'em all.

[Sir Velo]

Richter's recording of the eighth is rightly legendary; as is Pollini's blistering account of the seventh (still unsurpassed for the cleanness of his articulation of the daredevil finale). I have Donohoe's earlier triptych of the war sonatas which are fine but ultimately ou classed by Boris Giltburg on Orchid. Thrilling playing, captured in splendid sound.

[pastoralguy]

Pogorelich did a marvellous recording of at least one of these sonatas. Incredible playing iirc.

[Conchis]

Pogorelich did a marvellous recording of at least one of these sonatas. Incredible playing iirc.

I think it was 6. I've got it (paired with Gaspard de la Nuit) and yes, it's pretty marvellous.

[Parry1912]

And a wonderful 'Gaspard' it is.

[Alison]

It looks like Melnikov will eventually record the lot. I've always had a soft spot for no 2, so his new disc of 2, 6 and 8 looks very tempting. Very good review I read in Smiths (David Nice in BBCMM I think).