Russian-born and Moscow Conservatory-trained pianist Yelena Eckemoff recently released two new CDs. One is her original compositions performed with a chamber group, and this one, which features some of her favorite classical compositions. The twenty-four selections span the Baroque period through the late Romantic era. Eckemoff’s playing is passionate and her technique is dazzling. So many classical recordings focus on one composer or era, so it’s a treat to have a sampler of a broad cross-section of piano music history. This is also a great CD for teachers to share with students, allowing them to be exposed to several composers at once. Most of the composers have more than one piece included, and they are grouped together as sets. Some of the pieces are very familiar (“Moonlight Sonata,” “Liebestraum”), but some are a little less standard, providing both the comfort of the familiar and the joy of discovery.

The program begins with four sonatas by D. Scarlatti (1685-1757). Following tradition, these pieces are played with little or no pedal, and Eckemoff’s execution of the ornaments is clean and precise without being cold. CPI Bach (1714-88) was one of JS Bach’s sons, and his two pieces are quick and flawless. Beethoven’s (1770-1827) “Sonata una Fantasia (Moonlight)” is a classical staple, but often only the first movement is played. Eckemoff recorded all three movements, and plays them to perfection. Franz Liszt’s (1811-86) “Liebestraum” is also a standard, but one I never get tired of hearing. Eckemoff’s mastery of the difficult passages of this piece is effortless. The three pieces by Chopin (1810-49) clearly demonstrate his power as well as his delicacy. The “Revolutionary” Etude flies all over the piano in a very big and grand style while his Waltz in Bm is almost fragile. “A Wish” is a little bit of both. Five of Brahms’ (1833-97) many waltzes are represented. Short and concise, these are gems of Romantic repertoire. Mendelssohn’s (1808-47) “Rondo- Capriccioso” is one of the longer pieces, and is a wonderful representation of his varied and colorful composing style. Tchaikovsky (1840-93) is, of course, best-known for his Nutcracker Suite, but he composed a large body of work for piano as well. Eckemoff includes his “Russian Dance” and “May” and “July” from “Seasons.” “Lark” by Glinka (1804-57) and Balakirev (1837-1910) is a poignant and pensive piece, and Eckemoff’s playing is overflowing with emotion. The program concludes with Glinka’s “Variations,” a simple melody that is transformed into a variety of styles that display Eckemoff’s tenderness as well as her power and dexterity.

Yelena’s Piano Series, Volume 2 is an excellent addition to any classical piano-lover’s library. It is available from amazon.com. Recommended!