Rachmaninov: Piano Sonata No.2/preludes Op.23 Nos.4-6

Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Sonata was extensively revised by the composer in 1931, and the revised version is tighter and thinner in texture (the 4th piano concerto is a fine example the more restrained and less opulent textures the composer developed in his later years) than the original version of 1913. It represents a supreme challenge to the pianist in either version, and has all the hallmarks of the composer at the height of his powers - he had just finished his huge choral symphony 'The Bells' at the same time. The 6 Moments Musicaux Op.16 are early works which exhibit the flamboyance of the youthful virtuoso . Sonya Bach includes three of the Preludes from the Op.23 set.