Composer: BERIO

Tracks/ Timings: Sonata per pianoforte solo (23:18); 6 Encores (1964-1990) (12:50); Rounds (3:54); Sequenza IV (11:02); 5 Variazioni (revised version of 1966) (7:43); Touch (1:47); Canzonetta (0:51)

Information:
Andrea Lucchesini, associated as no other with the piano works of Luciano Berio, presents the most comprehensive collection of the great Italian composer’s solo keyboard oeuvre yet issued, including the seminal Sequenza IV, the monumental late Sonata, and two works written especially for him. Berio first heard Lucchesini in the 1980s and, captivated by his “pure” pianism, asked him to perform his Concerto II at the Proms in London. From that point their association flourished. Lucchesini is joined by his wife Valentina Lucchesini, in two works for piano four hands on this CD. The comprehensiveness of this album is complemented by the booklet annotation, including a personal note by Lucchesini, a note by Berio on his Sonata, a note by the Sonata’s dedicatee Reinhold Brinkmann, and a note of appreciation by Berio’s widow, Talia Berio.