Pierre Boulez (1933-2016)
Piano Sonata No. 2
Hanns Eisler (1898-1962)
Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 1
Béla Bartók (1881-1945)
Piano Sonata, BB 88, Sz. 80
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975)
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Album information
A LIFE’S WORK, A LIFE’S MANIFESTO
Organised Delirium is pianist Tamara Stefanovich’ personal exploration of the sonata form, centred around Boulez’ Piano Sonata No. 2 which she studied in close collaboration with the composer, reigniting her passion as a performer. Boulez’ Piano Sonata No. 2 represents a restructuring of music after its destruction during World War II.
Boulez’ iconoclast piece is paired with twentieth-century sonatas by Eisler, Bartók and Shostakovich, each questioning the use of the term ‘sonata’, while the programme closes with a return the sonata’s origins by way of Domenico Scarlatti. Appearing in the context of Boulez’ centenary, this adventurous album reveals a strong kinship to Stefanovich’ PENTATONE debut Influences (2019), and deepens our understanding of the sonata, its history and its many shapes.
The New York Times lauded Tamara’s recent concert performance of Boulez’ Piano Sonata No. 2, stating that “Ms. Stefanovich’s performance was staggeringly brilliant”. Praised by The Guardian as “fearless, dazzling, exceptional”, Tamara Stefanovich is one of today’s most adventurous and sought-after pianists. After Influences (2019), Visions (2022) and Nicolaou: Etudes & Frames (2023), she now releases her fourth PENTATONE album.
Released physically on standard CD.