Rachmaninov: Piano Sonata No 2; 10 Preludes, Op. 23

Description

Two giant works: the lesser played 1913 version of Op. 36, Piano Sonata No. 2, an epic piece in the truest sense of the word and Op. 23, 10 Preludes, an intimate cycle, both challenge the physical and psychological limits of the player and the listener.

With the help of the Bosendorfer Concert Grand 280VC – Vienna Concert this recording dives deep into the rich, orchestral sound world, as well as the dark nature of these works, loaded with fine details, technical and emotional extremities, candid moments and explosivity.

Emre Yavuz was born in 1990 in Izmir, Turkey. His talent for learning at a rapid pace was evident at an early age, eventually leading to a musical education. He started his education in music in 1998 under the "Educational Act for Prodigy Children", studying with Kamuran Gundemir in Ankara. He continued his studies with Fazill Say and Sanem Berkalp at the Bilkent University, where he also studied composition.

Starting at an early age Yavuz played with major orchestras performing concertos of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Saint-Saens, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. With his interpretations of Chopin he won prizes in Sicily in 2007, and in Vienna in 2010. He became the first piano student of the Vienna Conservatory to graduate with full grades upon his final recital, performing works by Beethoven, Saygun and Rachmaninoff. In 2013 he performed Beethoven's Concerto No. 3 under the conduction of Zubin Mehta.

In 2018 Emre Yavuz launched his "Rachmaninoff International Tour" which lasted one year, performing solo works, chamber music and concertos by Rachmaninoff. He is a Bosendorfer Pianist and lives in Vienna.