Striking Musicianship Elena Kuschnerova plays Prokofiev - heard by HOWARD SMITH '... sparkling, lyrical and appropriately balletic ...'

These performances, originally for radio, were recorded at the Hans Rosbaud Studios, Sudwestfunk, Baden-Baden in 1996; a co-production with Arsmusica.

In short, they're on a substantially obscure label in a highly competitive field. There's no denying Elena Kuschnerova is an uncommonly gifted and musical artist as her commanding Bach and Stravinsky recordings attest.

But at these sessions; separated by nine months, there are moments with a near-metallic edge to the acoustic; coupled with the short overall playing time (51' 38"). The opening bar of Romeo and Juliet set my teeth on edge...

SERGEY PROKOFIEV

PIANO

GERMANY