Recording Review #68: Mikhail's Mess

Chopin: Preludes, Op. 28; Scriabin: Preludes, Op. 11. Mikhail Pletnev, pianist. Deutsche Grammophon 486 745-5.

Often the people most corrosive to the viability of classical music are its own practitioners. Take this recording for instance. I can see little use for it beyond gratifying the performer's whims and titillating bored novelty-seekers. Certainly someone wishing to become familiar with these pieces will be poorly served. The playing is willfully mannered and the sound unnecessarily muffled, the latter thanks to a puzzling decision to use analog recording technology. Yes, there are a few fine moments. But they are islands in a sea of soupy mess. The whole thing is unworthy of a great performer like Mikhail Pletnev, even taking into account his famous variability. 

This Chopin set is the worst. The murky sound brings everything down, but eccentric interpretive decisions do the music itself a far greater disservice. In one respect this stems from a good intention: bringing out the melody. Pletnev does so VERY well, and occasionally achieves satisfactory results. One example is No. 19 in E-Flat, in which the tune sings clearly while the background beautifully shimmers. That's not easy to do. But in other settings the difficulty of actually hearing everything else can become a problem. The tune is the thing (as RVW said), yes. But when subordinate voices recede so severely, as they often do in Nos. 1, 2 and 8, melodic projection becomes too much of a good thing. 

More inexcusably, Pletnev frequently just ignores score markings. This happens most in the louder and more impassioned selections/stretches. The intense No. 5 is a good example. First, we hardly reach a forte dynamic in the whole piece, nor do we really hit a Molto Allegro tempo. Then there is the weird staccato or portamento-like articulation in the bass where none is indicated. The whole thing is limp, meek, and obviously outside the character Chopin suggests. But this is just one instance. The agitato moods elsewhere in the preludes (e.g. in Nos. 8, 14, 16, and 24) get replaced by a mumbly, even comatose approach. Combine this with occasionally messy peddling and excessive rubato and you have interpretations that positively pale in comparison with those by the likes of Argerich, Moravec, or Pollini. 

The Scriabin set comes off slightly better, mostly because the cloudy recording sound, combined with Pletnev's muted approach, are better withstood by an often languid character. The pianist also manages to find something of a pulse for some of the quicker ones, such as we see in his Nos. 3 and 18. (Sometimes, not always.) But while Pletnev never previously recorded Chopin's Op. 28 group, he did set down Scriabin's Op. 11 (see Erato 5452472, and the Virgin re-release) almost 3 decades ago. This latter rendition radiates strength and color to a degree that frankly indicts the present account. The one is earnest and breathtaking; the other evokes enervated cynicism. 

In sum, this has all the trappings of a vanity project. Flashes of greatness are present, as are glimpses into a keen musical personality. But when the self-indulgence is ratcheted so high, I stop caring about talent and imagination. I groan to think of the more constructive things Pletnev could have been doing instead. If you're new to these pieces, or just want to hear some good performances, pass this one over and partake of the many other fine options you have. 

Verdict: Not Recommended

Nikolai Kapustin (1937-2020): A Discography by Work

I've heard and played through enough of Nikolai Kapustin's pieces to feel comfortable calling him one of the great pianist-composers in music history. For me he's right up there with Chopin, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff in this regard. The melodic distinctiveness and sheer exuberance of his best work give me no qualms at all about saying this. Western music critics still largely haven't caught on. (They're often some of the last to do so with composers of a more popular appeal.) But performers are starting to, especially those from the Far East - an area of the world that is currently doing much to carry the Western classical music torch. (Recall the recent International Chopin Piano Competitions, for instance.) More power to them!

Some of this you can see in the discography I have created below. By now it is apparent that items such the Op. 40 etudes, the Op. 53 preludes, and the Second Piano Sonata are already contemporary classics. And I was surprised at how much some of the chamber music is being recorded. But it's also true that large stretches of Kapustin's vast output await substantial exposure. My list isn't exhaustive; there are many fine self-published recordings I haven't included. Likewise, there are some wonderful captures of live performances available on YouTube that I skipped, but which I invite the curious to peruse. (One of these is of the Third Piano Concerto, an extraordinary work I hope receives a commercial recording very soon.) Nonetheless this list is hopefully enough to give the curious a good start, and to provide an idea of both the strengths and many holes in the body of recordings for this composer. If you find a error or an obvious omission, please leave a comment. I hope you enjoy. 

Op 3: Variations for Piano Solo and Big Band (1962)

• Capriccio C5528. 2024. Frank Dupree, pianist. Jakob Krupp, bassist. Meinhard 'Obi' Jenne, drummer. Dominik Beykirch, conductor. SWR Big Band. SWR Symphonieorchester.  

Op. 8: Toccata for Piano Solo and Orchestra (1964)

• Capriccio C5528. 2024. Frank Dupree, pianist. Jakob Krupp, bassist. Meinhard 'Obi' Jenne, drummer. Dominik Beykirch, conductor. SWR Big Band. SWR Symphonieorchester.  (Originally released as a single for download: Capriccio C2007. 

Op. 14: Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Orchestra (1974)

• Capriccio C5528. 2024. Frank Dupree, pianist. Jakob Krupp, bassist. Meinhard 'Obi' Jenne, drummer. Dominik Beykirch, conductor. SWR Big Band. SWR Symphonieorchester.
• Melodiya RCID14722846. 2019. Dmitry Masleev, pianist. Vladimir Lande, conductor. Siberian State Symphony Orchestra. 

Op. 16: Nocturne for Piano and Orchestra (1972)

• Capriccio C5528. 2024. Frank Dupree, pianist. Jakob Krupp, bassist. Meinhard 'Obi' Jenne, drummer. Dominik Beykirch, conductor. SWR Big Band. SWR Symphonieorchester.  

Op. 25: Concert Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra (1976)

• Capriccio C5528. 2024. Frank Dupree, pianist. Jakob Krupp, bassist. Meinhard 'Obi' Jenne, drummer. Dominik Beykirch, conductor. SWR Big Band. SWR Symphonieorchester.  

Op. 26: Daybreak ("Sunrise") for Piano (1976)

• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Arranged for jazz trio.)
• Melodiya С60 28239 000. 1989. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0082. 2015. Sukyeon Kim, pianist. 

Op. 28: Suite in the Old Style for Piano (1977)

• Hyperion CDA67433. 2004. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist. 
• Melodiya С60 28239 000. 1989. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00143. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. (Same as Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002?)

Op. 36: Toccatina (1983)

• Ars Produktion ARS38517. 2012. Evelyn Hilschmann, pianist.
• Hello Stage HLSCD005. 2018. Jacqueline Leung, pianist. 
• Hyperion CDA67275. 2001. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0082. 2015. Sukyeon Kim, pianist. 
• Sony 19075875102. 2018. Roman Rofalski, pianist.

Op. 39: Piano Sonata No. 1 ("Sonata-Fantasia") (1984)

• Hyperion CDA67159. 2000. Steven Osborne, pianist. 
• Melodiya С60 23759 008. 1986. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0098. 2015. Sun Hee You, pianist. 
• Quartz QTZ2139. 2022. Yuki Negishi, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00143. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 40: Eight Concert Études (1985)

• ABC Classics ABC4816463. 2017. Tatiana Kolesova, pianist. (No. 7 only.)
• Ars Produktion ARS38151. 2014. Mario Häring, pianist (Nos 1-3 and 5 only.)
• Berlin Classics 0301407BC. 2020. Luisa Imorde, pianist. (Nos. 3 and 6 only.)
• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Nos. 1-2, and 7-8 only, arranged for jazz trio.)
• Da Vinci Classics C01051. Ayano Kamei, pianist. (No. 1 only.)
• Deutsche Grammophon 483 627-0. 2018. Yuja Wang, pianist. (No. 3 only.)
• Deutsche Grammophon 486 743-7. 2025. Nobuyuki Tsujii, pianist. 
• Divine Art DDX21130. 2025. Ophelia Gordon, pianist. 
• Hyperion CDA67433. 2004. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist. 
• Melodiya С60 23759 008. 1986. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 
• Navona Records NV6503. 2023. Allison Brewster Franzetti, pianist. (Nos. 1 and 8 only.)
• Naxos 8.570532. 2008. John Salmon, pianist. (Nos. 5-7 only.)
• Naxos 8.572272. 2011. Catherine Gordeladze, pianist. 
• Non Profit Music NPM1011. 2010. Daniel Del Pino, pianist. 
• Onyx 4222. 2021. Yeol Eum Son, pianist. 
• Orchid Classics ORC100367. 2025. Maiko Mori, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0082. 2015. Sukyeon Kim, pianist. (Nos. 1-3, and 6-8 only.)
• Piano Classics PCL0098. 2015. Sun Hee You, pianist. (Nos. 1 and 7 only.)
• Russian Compact Disc RCD13049. 2022. Nikolai Petrov, pianist. (No. 7 only.)
• Solfa Recordings SR1404100. 2015. Cristina Casale, pianist. (No. 1 only.)
• Sony 19075875102. 2018. Roman Rofalski, pianist. (No. 1 only.)
• SWR Music SWR19002CD. 2016. Christine Rauh, cellist. Ni Fan, vibraphonist. (Arrangements of Nos. 5 and 8 by C. Rauh for cello and vibraphone.)
• Wergo WER74052. 2022. A Bu, pianist. 
• Willowhayne Records WHR039. 2016. Yasmin Rowe, pianist. (No. 6 only.)

Op. 41: Variations (1984)

• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Arranged for jazz trio.)
• Centaur CRC3636. 2022. Martin Kesuma, pianist. 
• Challenge Classics CC72804. 2019. Marie François, pianist. 
• Hyperion CDA67433. 2004. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist.
• Melodiya С60 28239 000. 1989. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.
• MSR Classics MS1559. 2015. Reed Tetzloff, pianist.
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Odradek Records ODRCD356. 2017. Yu Mi Lee, pianist. 
• Onyx 4222. 2021. Yeol Eum Son, pianist. 
• Paraty 314124. 2014. Fanny Azzuro, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0082. 2015. Sukyeon Kim, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0098. 2015. Sun Hee You, pianist. 
• Solo Musica SM324. 2019. Anna Kavalerova, pianist. 
• Wergo WER74052. 2022. A Bu, pianist. 

Op. 45: Motive Force for Piano (1985)

• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Arranged for jazz trio.)
• Melodiya С60 28239 000. 1989. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 46: Big Band Sound(s) for Piano (1986)

• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Arranged for jazz trio.)
• Divine Art DDX21130. 2025. Ophelia Gordon, pianist. 
• Melodiya С60 28239 000. 1989. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 47: Contemplation (Meditation) for Piano (1987)

• Berlin Classics 0301407BC. 2020. Luisa Imorde, pianist.
• Divine Art DDX21130. 2025. Ophelia Gordon, pianist. 
• Melodiya С60 28239 000. 1989. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.
• Navona Records NV6503. 2023. Allison Brewster Franzetti, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 49: Sinfonietta (1986)

• Capriccio C5495. 2023. Frank Dupree and Adrian Brendle, pianists. (For piano four hands.)
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5030. 2010. Masahiro and Yukari Kawakami, pianists. (For piano four hands.)

Op. 50: Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra (1987)

• Albany TROY1861. 2021. Michael Pendowski, alto saxophonist. Jeremy Samolesky, pianist. (Arranged for alto saxophone and piano.)

Op. 53: 24 Preludes in Jazz Style (1988)

• Berlin Classics 0301407BC. 2020. Luisa Imorde, pianist. (Nos. 4-5 and 9 only.)
• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Nos. 1, 3-4, 6-9, 11, 13, 15, 19, and 23 only, arranged for jazz trio.)
• Cedille CDR 90000 149. 2014. Kuang-Hao Huang, pianist. (Nos. 4, 18-19, and 23 only.)
• Deutsche Grammophon 486 456-7. 2024. Yuja Wang, pianist. (Nos. 10-11 only.)
• Divine Art DDX21130. 2025. Ophelia Gordon, pianist. (Nos. 4-5, 11, 16-19, and 23 only.)
• Hänssler Classic HC22083. 2023. Dora Deliyska, pianist. (Nos. 6 and 11-12 only.)
• Hyperion CDA67159. 2000. Steven Osborne, pianist. (Nos. 3, 5, 7, 9-13, 15, 17-19, and 23 only.)
• Melodiya С60 28999 007. 1989. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.
• Naxos 8.570532. 2008. John Salmon, pianist. (Nos. 11-13, and 17-18 only.) 
• Naxos 8.572272. 2011. Catherine Gordeladze, pianist. 
• Sony 19075875102. 2018. Roman Rofalski, pianist. (Nos. 2 and 16 only.)
• Willowhayne Records WHR041. 2017. Dominic John, pianist. (No. 19 only.)
• YBT 0002. 2015. Aveline Gram, pianist. (Nos. 11-12 only.)

Op. 54: Piano Sonata No. 2 (1989)

• Hyperion CDA67159. 2000. Steven Osborne, pianist.
• Hyperion CDA67656. 2008. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist.  
• Naxos 8.570532. 2008. John Salmon, pianist. (Movement II only.)
• Onyx 4222. 2021. Yeol Eum Son, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0082. 2015. Sukyeon Kim, pianist. 
• Russian Compact Disc RCD13049. 2022. Nikolai Petrov, pianist. (Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga MKM 157. 2004.)
• Sony 19075875102. 2018. Roman Rofalski, pianist.
• Triton DICC-26073. 2001. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 56: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 (1989)

• Capriccio C5437. 2021. Frank Dupree, pianist. Case Scaglione, conductor. Württembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn. 

Op. 57: Chamber Symphony (1990)

• Capriccio C5437. 2021. Württembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn. 

Op. 58: Andante for Piano (1990)

• Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga MK 417051. 1992. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0082. 2015. Sukyeon Kim, pianist. 

Op. 59: 10 Bagatelles (1991)

• Hyperion CDA67433. 2004. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist. (No. 9 only.)
• Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga MK 417051. 1992. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 
• Naxos 8.570532. 2008. John Salmon, pianist. (Nos. 2, 5, and 8 only.)
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5003. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0098. 2015. Sun Hee You, pianist. (Nos. 6 and 9 only.)

Op. 60: Piano Sonata No. 4 (1991)

• Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga MK 417051. 1992. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 61: Piano Sonata No. 5 (1991)

• Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga MK 417051. 1992. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 62: Piano Sonata No. 6 (1991)

• Ars Produktion ARS38542. 2017. Hanna Shybayeva, pianist. 
• Hyperion CDA67433. 2004. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist.
• Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga MK 417051. 1992. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 63: Cello Sonata No. 1 (1991)

• Brilliant Classics 95560. 2017. Duo Perfetto. 
• Classical Records CR-126. 2008. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 64: Piano Sonata No. 7 (1991)

• Piano Classics PCL0098. 2015. Sun Hee You, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00017. 2004. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.

Op. 65: Berceuse for Piano (1991)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5003. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00153. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. (Same as Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5003?)

Op. 66: Three Impromptus for Piano (1991)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5016. 2009. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. (No. 2 only.)
• Triton OVCT-00017. 2004. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.

Op. 67: Three Etudes for Piano (1992)

• Triton OVCT-00017. 2004. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist.

Op. 68: Five Études in Different Intervals (1992)

• BIS-2004. 2015. Clare Hammond, pianist. 
• Hyperion CDA67433. 2004. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist.
• Triton OVCT-00176. 2020. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 69: Viola Sonata (1992)

• Sono Luminus DSL-92186. 2015. Eliesha Nelson, violist. James Howsmon, pianist. 

Op. 70: Violin Sonata (1992)

• Linn CKD664. 2021. Roberts Balanas, violinist. Siqian Li, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5030. 2010. Hayato Takenaka, violinist. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 71: Capriccio for Piano (1992)

• Antes Edition BM319306. 2020. Catherine Cordeladze, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00163. 2019. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 72: Concerto No. 5 for Piano and Orchestra (1993)

• Capriccio C5495. 2023. Frank Dupree, pianist. Dominik Beykirch, conductor. Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin. 
• Triton OVCT-00163. 2019. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. Norichika Iimori, conductor. Japan Century Symphony Orchestra. 

Op. 73: 10 Inventions for Piano (1993)

• Berlin Classics 0301407BC. 2020. Luisa Imorde, pianist. (No. 9 only.)
• Triton OVCT-00163. 2019. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 74: Concerto No. 6 for Piano and Big Band (1993)

• Capriccio C5528. 2024. Frank Dupree, pianist. Jakob Krupp, bassist. Meinhard 'Obi' Jenne, drummer. Dominik Beykirch, conductor. SWR Big Band. SWR Symphonieorchester.  

Op. 75: Humoresque for Piano (1994) 

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5003. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 77: Piano Sonata No. 8 (1995)

• Elettroformati 3615935856805. 2018. Carlo Levi Minzi, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00176. 2020. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 78: Piano Sonata No. 9 (1995)

• Triton OVCT-00176. 2020. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 79: Intrada and Finale for Sextet (1995)

• Triton OVCT-00163. 2019. Akane Otsuka, flutist. Naoki Yoshikawa, oboist. Takefumi Kikuchi, violist. Yoji Sato, contrabassist. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. Ryotaro Shigemoto, drummer. 

Op. 81: Piano Sonata No. 10 (1996)

• Elettroformati 3615935856805. 2018. Carlo Levi Minzi, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00143. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 82: 24 Preludes and Fugues (1997)

• Berlin Classics 0301407BC. 2020. Luisa Imorde, pianist. (No. 22 only.)

Op. 84: Cello Sonata No. 2 (1997)

• Brilliant Classics 95560. 2017. Duo Perfetto. 
• Classical Records CR-126. 2008. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 
• Genuin GEN89150. 2010. Eckart Runge, cellist. Jacques Ammon, pianist. 
• SWR Music SWR19002CD. 2016. Christine Rauh, cellist. Benyamin Nuss, pianist. 

Op. 85: Cello Concerto No. 1 (1997)

• Capriccio C5362. 2020. Eckart Runge, cellist. Frank Strobel, conductor. Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin. 

Op. 86: Trio for Flute, Cello, and Piano (1998)

• Ars Produktion ARS38097. 2011. Trio Panta Rhei. 
• Ars Produktion ARS38641. 2023. Tetrapod Ensemble. 
• Ars Produktion ARS38644. 2024. Trio Revolution. 
• Champs Hill Records CHRCD023. 2011. Emanuel Ensemble. 
• Decca 487 719-1. 2024. Cocomi, flutist. Haruma Sato, cellist. Atsushi Yamanaka, pianist. 
• IBS Classical IBS22019. 2019. Joan Enric Lluna, clarinetist.  Salvador Bolón, cellist. Juan Carlos Garvayo, pianist. (Arranged for clarinet, cello, and piano.)
• Naxos 8.579024. 2019. Immanuel Davis, flutist. Pitnarry Shin, cellist. Timothy Lovelace, pianist. 
• Non Profit Music NPM1405. 2014. Trío Arbós. (Version for Piano Trio.) 
• Triton DICC-26067. 2001. Alexander Korneev, flutist. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 88: String Quartet (1998)

• Capriccio C5369. 2020. Clair-Obscur Saxophone Quartet. (Arranged by Christoph Enzel for saxophone quartet. Designated as Op. 88a.)
• Triton DICC-26067. 2001. Vladimir Spektor and Alexander Chernov, violinists. Svetlana Stepchenko, violist. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. 

Op. 89: Piano Quintet (1998)

• Capriccio C5369. 2020. Elisaveta Blumina, pianist. Clair-Obscur Saxophone Quartet. (Arranged by Christoph Enzel for piano and saxophone quartet. Designated as Op. 89a.) 
• Triton DICC-26067. 2001. Vladimir Spektor and Alexander Chernov, violinists. Svetlana Stepchenko, violist. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 91: Divertissement for Two Flutes, Cello, and Piano (1998)

• Naxos 8.579024. 2019. Immanuel Davis and Adam Kuenzel, flutists. Pitnarry Shin, cellist. Timothy Lovelace, pianist. 
• Triton DICC-26067. 2001. Alexander Korneev and Marina Rubinstein, flutists. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 92: Suite for Piano (1999)

• Triton OVCT-00176. 2020. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 93: Introduction and Scherzino for Cello Solo (1999)

• Triton DICC-26073. 2001. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. 

Op. 96: Elegy for Cello and Piano (1999)

• Ars Produktion ARS38597. 2022. Konstantin Manaev, cellist. Danae Dörken, pianist.
• Brilliant Classics 95560. 2017. Duo Perfetto. 
• Dreyer Gaido DGCD21136. 2021. Oliver Mascarenhas, cellist. Johannes Nies, pianist.
• Genuin GEN89150. 2010. Eckart Runge, cellist. Jacques Ammon, pianist. 
• Solo Musica SM416. 2022. Kirill Timofeev, cellist. Evgeny Sinaiski, pianist. 
• SWR Music SWR19002CD. 2016. Christine Rauh, cellist. Benyamin Nuss, pianist. 
• Willowhayne Records WHR047. 2017. Yelian He, cellist. Yasmin Rose, pianist. 

Op. 97: Burlesque for Cello and Piano (1999)

• Ars Produktion ARS38597. 2022. Konstantin Manaev, cellist. Danae Dörken, pianist.
• Art Infini MECO1019. 2020. Nobuo Furukawa, cellist. Toshiya Shioiri, pianist. (Arranged by Toshiya Shiori.)
• Berlin Classics 885470027098. 2022. Eckart Runge, cellist. Jacques Ammon, pianist. 
• Brilliant Classics 95560. 2017. Duo Perfetto. 
• Dreyer Gaido DGCD21136. 2021. Oliver Mascarenhas, cellist. Johannes Nies, pianist.
• Genuin GEN89150. 2010. Eckart Runge, cellist. Jacques Ammon, pianist. 
• Solo Musica SM416. 2022. Kirill Timofeev, cellist. Evgeny Sinaiski, pianist. 
• SWR Music SWR19002CD. 2016. Christine Rauh, cellist. Benyamin Nuss, pianist. 
• Willowhayne Records WHR047. 2017. Yelian He, cellist. Yasmin Rose, pianist.

Op. 98: Nearly Waltz for Cello and Piano (1999)

• Ars Produktion ARS38597. 2022. Konstantin Manaev, cellist. Danae Dörken, pianist.
• Brilliant Classics 95560. 2017. Duo Perfetto. 
• Dreyer Gaido DGCD21136. 2021. Oliver Mascarenhas, cellist. Johannes Nies, pianist.
• Genuin GEN89150. 2010. Eckart Runge, cellist. Jacques Ammon, pianist. 
• Solo Musica SM416. 2022. Kirill Timofeev, cellist. Evgeny Sinaiski, pianist. 
• SWR Music SWR19002CD. 2016. Christine Rauh, cellist. Benyamin Nuss, pianist. 
• Willowhayne Records WHR047. 2017. Yelian He, cellist. Yasmin Rose, pianist.

Op. 99: Duet for Alto Saxophone and Cello (1999)

• Capriccio C5369. 2020. Christoph Enzel, alto saxophonist. Peter Bruns, cellist. 
• Pavlik Records PS 0506-2-131. 2022. Ladislav Fanzowitz, alto saxophonist. Ken-Wassim Ubukata, cellist.
• SWR Music SWR19002CD. 2016. Christine Rauh, cellist. Peter Lehel, alto saxophonist. 
• Triton DICC-26073. 2001. Alexei Volkov, alto saxophonist. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. 

Op. 100: Sonatina for Piano (2000)

• Berlin Classics 0301407BC. 2020. Luisa Imorde, pianist.
• Hyperion CDA67433. 2004. Marc-André Hamelin, pianist.
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5003. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Onyx 4222. 2021. Yeol Eum Son, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00153. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. (Same as Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5003?)

Op. 101: Piano Sonata No. 11 ("Twickenham") (2000)

• Elettroformati 3615935856805. 2018. Carlo Levi Minzi, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5016. 2009. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00153. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. (Same as Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5016?)

Op. 102: Piano Sonata No. 12, Op. 102 (2001)

• Elettroformati 3615935856805. 2018. Carlo Levi Minzi, pianist. 

Op. 103: Concerto for Cello and Strings No. 2 (2002)

• Melodiya MELCD1002483. 2016. Alexander Zagorinsky, cellist. Alexander Loskutov, conductor. Chamber Orchestra of the Vologda Philharmonic Society.
• SWR Music SWR19002CD. 2016. Christine Rauh, cellist. Nicholas Collon, conductor. Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern.

Op. 104: Concerto for Two Pianos and Percussion (2002)

• Capriccio C5495. 2023. Frank Dupree and Adrian Brendle, pianists. Meinhard 'Obi' Jenne, drummer. Franz Bach, percussionist. 
• Non Profit Music NPM1011. 2010. Ludmil Angelov and Daniel Del Pino, pianists. Neopercusión.

Op. 105: Concerto for Violin, Piano, and String Orchestra (2002)

• Capriccio C5437. 2021. Rosanne Philippens, violinist. Frank Dupree, pianist. Case Scaglione, conductor. Württembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn. 

Op. 108: Paraphrase on the Theme of Paul Dvoirin for Piano (2003)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Triton OVCT-00153. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. (Same as Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5002?)

Op. 110: Piano Sonata No. 13 (2003)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5016. 2009. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 111: Gingerbread Man for Piano (2003)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 112: (The) End of the Rainbow for Piano (2003)

• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Arranged for jazz trio.)
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 113: Wheel of Fortune for Piano (2003)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5016. 2009. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 114: No Stop Signs for Piano (2003)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5016. 2009. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 115: Fantasia for Piano (2003)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 117: Spice Island for Piano (2003)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 118: Paraphrase on 'Aquarela do Brasil' by Ary Barroso for Piano (2003)

• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Arranged for jazz trio.)
• Divine Art DDX21130. 2025. Ophelia Gordon, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5003. 2005. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 
• Piano Classics PCL0082. 2015. Sukyeon Kim, pianist. 

Op. 120: Piano Sonata No. 14 (2004)

• Non Profit Music NPM1011. 2010. Ludmil Angelov and Daniel Del Pino, pianists. (Version for two pianos?)

Op. 121: Vanity of Vanities for Piano (2004)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 122: Two Etude-Like Trinkets for Piano (2004)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 123: Paraphrase on 'Blue Bossa' by Kenny Dorham for Piano (2004)

• Capriccio C5439. 2022. Frank Dupree Trio. (Arranged for jazz trio.)
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 125: Flute Sonata (2004)

• Cantilena Records 101. 2025. Laurel Zucker, flutist. Gabriel Sanchez, pianist. 
• Naxos 8.579024. 2019. Immanuel Davis, flutist. Timothy Lovelace, pianist. 
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5030. 2010. Akane Otsuka, flutist. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist.

Op. 126: Divertissement in Four Movements for Piano Trio (2005)

• Avi Music 8553277. 2013. Beethoven Trio Bonn. 
• Non Profit Music NPM1405. 2014. Trío Arbós. 

Op. 127: Piano Sonata No. 15 ("Fantasia quasi Sonata") (2005)

• Naxos 8.570532. 2008. John Salmon, pianist. 

Op. 128: Introduction and Rondo for Piano (2006)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5016. 2009. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 129: Paraphrase on Dizzy Gillespie's 'Manteca' for Two Pianos/Four Hands (2006)

• Divine Art DDX21130. 2025. Ophelia Gordon, pianist. (Version for solo piano?)
• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5030. 2010. Masahiro and Yukari Kawakami, pianists. 
• Non Profit Music NPM1011. 2010. Ludmil Angelov and Daniel Del Pino, pianists. 

Op. 130: Countermove for Piano (2006)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 131: Piano Sonata No. 16 (2006)

• Nippon Acoustic Records NARD-5014. 2008. Nikolai Kapustin, pianist. 

Op. 133: Six Little Preludes for Piano (2007)

• Triton OVCT-00143. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 137: Good Intention for Piano (2009)

• Triton OVCT-00153. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 138: Sleight of Hand for Piano (2009)

• Triton OVCT-00153. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 142: Piano Trio No. 2 (2010)

• Non Profit Music NPM1405. 2014. Trío Arbós. 

Op. 143: Piano Sonata No. 19 (2011)

• Triton OVCT-00153. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 145: Tea for Two for Two Pianos/Four Hands (2012)

• Genuin GEN25933d. 2025. Fedorova & Takser Piano Duo. 

Op. 152: A Pianist in Jeopardy for Piano (2013)

• Triton OVCT-00153. 2018. Masahiro Kawakami, pianist. 

Op. 156: A Little Duo for Flute and Cello (2014)

• Naxos 8.579024. 2019. Immanuel Davis, flutist. Käthe Jarka, cellist. 

Op. 161: Moon Rainbow for Piano (2016)

• Berlin Classics 0301407BC. 2020. Luisa Imorde, pianist.
• Onyx 4222. 2021. Yeol Eum Son, pianist. 

Recording Review #67: Altered Ambience

Jóhannsson: Piano Works – From Englabörn. Alice Sara Ott, pianist. Deutsche Grammophon 486 674-4.

In an older edition of his Record Shelf Guide to Classical CDs and Audiocassettes (which, alas, I don't have at hand), Jim Svejda made this remark or something close to it: "For those who think that minimalism is the dim-witted musical rip-off that it probably is..." I seem to recall that this was in the course of praising John Adams as an exception to his dislike of the subgenre. Well, I wonder what he'd think of "ambient" music, which often makes minimalism (and especially post-minimalism) seem positively robust by comparison. I don't know what to make of it categorically myself. Is it art music? Is it classical music? (I'm pretty sure it should count as music.) But I do know what I like. 

Do I like the late Jóhann Jóhannsson's "ambient" (or ambient-adjacent) music? Yeah, sometimes. He was very adept at creating moods and, while I have not watched any dramatic productions that use his work, he usually accomplished what he set out to do musically, whether or not one takes it seriously. I'm a solid fan of his Orphée album, for instance. It shows that Jóhannsson knew how much he could repeat his slight ideas before losing the listener's (or at least my) goodwill. At other times I find his shtick a bit irritating, though. And I'm afraid the original Englabörn is an example. It isn't the melodic or harmonic ideas I find objectionable, it's the timbres of the instruments he uses there: grating and slightly pretentious. 

But here we don't have that problem, because the versions of three Englabörn pieces that Alice Sara Ott performs are for piano alone. Usually I am not terribly interested in arrangements, but this is one rare case where I think the arrangement improves upon the original. In experiencing these on the piano, we are not distracted by unfortunate timbral dressings. We can hear the bare pitch elements in better relief. And they hold up extremely well in the hands of Alice Sara Ott, whose silky sound is well suited to her task. 

It also helps that there are only three selections in this release, which together don't quite last 10 minutes. So we're not talking about a substantial investment of time. Actually, I could have named this review "'Ulta'ed Ambience." Because not only do we hear arranged versions of the original tracks, but I was also able to do a whole re-listen of this release while waiting for my wife to finish buying make-up at Ulta. Convenient, huh?

But seriously: optimally presented on the piano, this is attractive music. Maybe it's not the deepest or most complex stuff out there. Maybe Jóhannsson didn't quite have the melodic invention of Philip Glass. But it's satisfying if enjoyed for what it is. And Ott makes the venture so much easier. 

Verdict: Recommended