Raff Piano Suites for Naxos

[Mark Thomas]

Korean pianist Hyelim Kim has begun recording several CDs for Naxos which will feature all seven of Raff's suites for solo piano. Apart from the relatively well-known Fourth Piano Suite (in D minor Op.91), these important works have only been available on a hard-to-find 2004 series from the now-defunct AK Coburg label, played by Alexander Zolotarev. Judging by Kim's fine performance of the Third Suite (on YouTube here), her interpretations promise to be significantly more spirited and idiomatic than those of Zolotarev, who perhaps focussed too much on the suites' baroque roots. The centrepiece of the first CD will be the large-scale Fifth Suite in G minor Op.162.

[Alan Howe]

I must confess that I don't really know the Piano Suites, so this will give me the opportunity to give them another listen. Do you have any idea about a possible release date?

[Mark Thomas]

My guess would be around 10-12 months from now, based on Naxos' usual lead times, but it really is a guess.

[Jonathan]

This is good news!

[Alan Howe]

Yes, more Raff's always good news.

[Gareth Vaughan]

And the piano suites really do contain some very fine music - IMHO.

[John Boyer]

I heartily agree: it's fine music indeed.

[FBerwald]

Beautiful rendition of Suite No. 3 by Hyelim Kim. These Suites along with Raff's arrangements of Bach are arguably his most important contributions to Piano literature. BTW, did anyone notice that the pianist is barefoot.   

[semloh]

Yes, Hyelim Kim's performance on YT is wonderful, and the music thoroughly engaging. Thank you for drawing attention to it, Mark.