Inon Barnatan spoke with International Piano about his forthcoming album ‘Rachmaninoff Reflections‘ and his process for creating a new solo piano arrangement of the ‘Symphonic Dances’.
“In the spring of 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic halted my concerts and travel, I finally had my chance to do something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
Those who know me from my previous recordings, which revolved more around Western European music, would perhaps be surprised to know that I am enormously attracted to the music of Rachmaninoff. I have loved the music since I was a little boy – and his concertos form a healthy part of my concert diet. I also love listening to the great man play.We are very lucky to have many recordings of his playing, but a few years ago I came across a recording that was quite unique: it was a private recording of Rachmaninoff, seemingly made without his knowledge, and in it he is playing through almost the entirety of his great masterwork, Symphonic Dances. He was playing it for Eugene Ormandy, the conductor who went on to conduct the world premiere, and they and some companions can occasionally be heard in the background talking, laughing and singing.”
Inon Barnatan
Read the full interview in the November Issue of International Piano.
