Matti Raekallio recorded a sensational set of the complete Prokofiev piano sonatas (recently reissued in a convenient boxed set), and this newly prepared disc forms a natural adjunct to that edition. It contains much of the composer’s best non-sonata piano music, as well as offering a neat summary of his different modes of expression: the lyricism of Romeo and Juliet, the humor (both innocent and grotesque) of Sarcasms and Old Granny’s Tales, and the percussive virtuosity of the famous Toccata. As with his recordings of the sonatas, Raekallio proves himself completely at home with the composer’s many idioms. His tone is bright but not brittle, his fingers nimble, and he knows how to relax into a tune without swimming in a Romantic sentimentality foreign to the composer’s expressive arsenal. Ondine’s recording suits the music perfectly: it’s dry-ish and clear, with just enough space around the instrument to prevent the treble from becoming harsh. A real charmer.
