The 24 Preludes and the last Sonatas of Dmitri Kabalevsky figure amongst the finest piano works of the 1940s, ranking with those of Prokofiev and Shostakovich.

The first Sonata, written at the age of 24, and premiered by the composer, is reminiscent of the first Scriabin, whereas the second and the third are warlike with frankly virtuosic pages. Gilels, to whom the work was dedicated, was the first to play the second Sonata (1946), Yakov Zak, his senior and alter ego, the third Sonata in 1947.

Christoph Deluze studied with Dinu Lipatti, with Cherkassy during his time at the Guildhall and later with Dagobert Buchholz in Vienna. He has become known for his interpretation of Scriabin in particular. Here he groups the 3 Sonatas and confirms their impressive stature, their intense lyricism and rythmic vigour.

A demonstrative programme for those fond of spectacular and symphonic piano.