Prokofiev’s sonatas nos. 7 and 8 are the so called 'War' Sonatas, as they were composed in one of the darkest periods of history, the 2nd World War. Though there are no direct programmatic hints to the war, the atmosphere is brooding, menacing, even sinister in places. Episodes of quasi-innocent lyricism alternate with outbursts of threatening violence.
The young Russian pianist Amir Tebenikhin presents gripping and compelling interpretations of these works. Eschewing obvious and 'sportive' virtuosity, he delves deep into hidden layers of emotions, seeking the inner power and truth of these masterworks.
