Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943): Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975): Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 61
Dmitri Kabalevsky (1904-1987): Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 46

"Following the success of her debut album, 20th Century Russian Piano Sonatas in 2021, Anastasia Yasko continues her journey through the fascinating world of Russian piano sonatas of the twentieth century. For the second album, Anastasia has chosen three masterpieces of Russian piano literature that are less well-known but all the more impressive: Sergei Rachmaninov's first piano sonata, the second piano sonata by Dmitri Shostakovich and the third piano sonata by Dmitri Kabalevsky." {Ars Produktion}

There's something to be said about the grippingly expressive nature of Russian piano music. Especially 20th century Russian piano music, and even more so the works composed during the Soviet era. From Alexander Scriabin to Alexander Mosolov, there's something unabashedly open and unfettered about this music that communicates directly with the emotive pathways of the cerebral cortex.

As an introduction for the booklet notes pianist Anastasia Yasko states: "Although the three piano sonatas I selected for this recording were all composed during the first half of the 20th century, each conveys a very different musical impression. Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich and Kabalevsky are three composers with their own personalities and distinctive compositional styles, and this diversity opens up three unique musical worlds. At the same time, the shared genre of the piano sonata provides us with an insight into the musical and cultural development of Russia and of the Soviet Union between 1908 and 1946. Dramaturgically, these works lead us through the uncertain and turbulent period between revolutions and the First World War, through the tragedy of the Second World War, and to a hopeful outlook on a 'bright future' in more peaceful times. For me, all three works are among the hidden treasures of the piano repertoire."

Of particular appeal to me is the Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 61 by Dmitri Shostakovich. Composed in 1942/43, around the same time as his Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8, two of the most emblematic symphonies of the 20th century, it reveals a composer at the height of his powers capable not only of working diligently through some of the century's most convulsive times, but able to capture its multitude of vociferant and violent aspects as well. Anastasia Yasko's clearly articulated and detailed phrasing of the opening pages more than demonstrates her grasp of the composer's mindset. Throuhout all three movements, she clearly defines the emotional turmoil that hides behind each and every well-ordered notes on the page.

Having written and published an extensive 260 page study in 2024 titled "The piano sonata in Russia in the second half of the 20th century", Anastasia Yasko is obviously well-versed in the piano literature of her homeland, an affinity well indicated in her superlative interpretations. If this recording is of interest to you, I would also recommend you obtain Yasko's 20th Century Russian Piano Sonatas Vol. 1, which presents excellent piano works by Prokofiev, Feinberg and Weinberg. And before you know it you will have been totally immersed in the unfathomable world of Russian piano music.