Credits:

Shostakovich, Dmitri (1906-1975)

Description:

Valentin Marinin is a Russian pianist who won the first prize at the 62nd Haen Prize International Piano Competition held in Spain in 2021. On this album, you can enjoy a program that juxtaposes his performance at the competition with pieces selected by Marinin himself from the performances recorded afterwards. Shostakovich's Piano Quintet is a highlight of the program, and the audience warmly applauded Marinin's high level of ensemble ability. The Granados piece, which follows, will test the contestant's ability to be an "excellent interpreter of Spanish music," one of the competition's special characteristics. Marinin skillfully played the serenade played by a ghost returning from the underworld for his loved one. The Scriabin and Prokofiev works, recorded in Russia after the competition, are part of the repertoire that the Russian-born Marinin holds dear. The final piece, Bizet's "I Can Hear You Singing" from "The Pearl Harvester," is a bold arrangement reminiscent of Ravel's. The piece is a perfect example of the Russian-born Marinin's ability to create a unique and memorable experience. Naxos Japan