Latest solo album “A Moment Illuminating Eternity”

works by Chopin, Scriabin & Rachmaninov

"I am a moment illuminating eternity", this famous phrase by Alexandre Scriabin reveals the essence of music and the role of the artist. Combining lyricism and virtuosity, well-known pieces and others less frequently performed, this program brings together timeless musical pages of Chopin, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff, enlightening the finesse, depth, sensuality, and exaltation of their musical worlds. While echoing each other, the pieces create a new discourse as a whole.

I selected works by these three composers that are particularly inspired, where one can feel a great spontaneity, sometimes almost an improvisation. I wanted to record this program for a new album, and it was clear that it could only be done within the context of a public concert, which entails taking risks but also sharing a unique moment of intensity, freedom and authenticity.

This program was recorded live during a performance at the Salle Cortot in Paris on October 13, 2023.

Physical CDs are available exclusively on this website, and you can order them by clicking on the link below.

When placing an order, you can request an autograph or a personalised note for a gift; I will personally sign and prepare each CD. If you encounter any difficulties ordering or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send us an email at office@irinalankova.com

The album is also available on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, etc.

Program:

1 A.Scriabin Etude Op.2 No.1 in C sharp Minor Andante
2 A.Scriabin Etude Op.42 No.5 in C sharp Minor Affannato
3 F.Chopin Nocturne Op.48 No.1 in C minor Lento
4 F.Chopin Etude op.10 No.12 in C Minor Allegro con fuoco 
5 S.Rachmaninov Prelude Op.23 No.4 in D Major Andante cantabile 
6 S.Rachmaninov Prelude Op.32 No.10 in B Minor Lento 
7 S.Rachmaninov Moment Musical Op.16 No.4 in E Minor Presto 
8 F.Chopin Nocturne Op.72 No.1 in E Minor Andante 
9 F.Chopin Prelude Op.28 No.4 in E Minor Largo 
10 A.Scriabin Prelude Op.11 No.4 in E Minor Lento 
11-15 A.Scriabin Five Preludes Op.16 
16 F.Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu Op.66 in C sharp Minor, Rubinstein edition 
17 F.Chopin Prelude Op.28 No.20 in C Minor 
18-25 S.Rachmaninov Variations on a Theme of Chopin, Op.22 selection
26 F.Chopin Ballade No.1 in G Minor, Op.23 

Total Time: 67’41

Recorded live at Salle Cortot Paris on October 13, 2023
Piano Steinway & Sons
Sound and Mastering Cécile Lenoir
Cover photo Dietmar Scholz

"By titling her latest album "A Moment Illuminating Eternity" - a reference to Scriabin's famous phrase - Irina Lankova recalls what has always guided her as an artist. A personal, almost organic journey through pieces by Scriabin, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff, with some well-known pieces, but also rare gems. … there is a natural and genuine mastery that allows the music to dematerialise and resonate directly with the hearts…” 

La Libre Belgique, Martine Dumont-Mergeay ***

“A musical journey where fire and passion compete with despair and introspection.
An inhabited performance filled with subtle nuances, particularly in Scriabin’s intimate works. A delightful album!”
L’Echo Belgique, Xavier Flament ****

“…her playing always remains wonderfully delicate…
…she plays with extreme clarity, and always with that richness of differentiation that makes the selected works so unmistakable.”
Pizzicato Luxembourg, Remy Franck ****

YouTube series of short videos featuring works of the album and connections between them:

Elégie solo album

ELEGIE is a very personal selection of pieces and transcriptions by Rachmaninov, Schubert, and Bach.
I imagined this album as an emotional journey. Each of the tracks then stood out as poignant, echoing an important moment of my life.
The photographs were taken by Peter Lindbergh as a personal gift for my new solo album.

Physical CDs are available exclusively on this website. You can order a signed CD by clicking on the link below.

You can also listen to the album on your favourite streaming platform: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz (96kHz), etc.

13 episodes “About my album” are available on my YouTube Channel, as well as live videos from the release concert at Salle Gaveau in Paris.

Program:

1. S.Rachmaninov Elégie Op.3 n°1 in E flat minor, Moderato
2. S.Rachmaninov Etude-Tableau Op.39, No.3 in F sharp minor, Allegro molto
3. S.Rachmaninov Etude-Tableau Op.33, No.8 in G minor, Grave
4. S.Rachmaninov Etude-Tableau Op.39, No.6 in A minor, Allegro
5. S.Rachmaninov/Z.Kocsis Vocalise Op.34, No.14 in C sharp minor
6. S.Rachmaninov Zdes horosho Op.21, No.7 in F sharp minor, Moderato
7. S.Rachmaninov Prélude Op.32, No.12 in G sharp minor, Allegro
8. S.Rachmaninov Moment musical Op.16, No.3 in B minor, Andante cantabile
9. F.Kreisler/S.Rachmaninov Liebesleid
10. F.Schubert/F.Liszt Ständchen D.957
11. F.Schubert/F.Liszt Auf dem Wasser zu singen D.774
12. J.S.Bach/F.Busoni Choral Prelude BWV639, Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
13.A.Marcello/S.Bach Adagio BWV974, in D minor

Press Review :

“Beyond the virtuosity required by Rachmaninoff's repertoire, there is this urgency, this romantic drama that weaves itself at the end of each melodic phrase. This dramatic power, this art of magnifying the sadness so characteristic of Russian culture, Irina Lankova serves it to us with no filter other than that of her soul” Audiophile Magazine, Joel Chevassus

****

“Remarkably solemn, very distinguished approach in Rachmaninov”

“…her expressive playing, the sparkling way in which she conducts the conversation between voices, and the dynamic structure of Schubert are simply magnificent.

“Bach’s dignified rigor and Lankova's straightforward, unadorned and above all honest style fit together wonderfully”
Klassiek-centraal

****

“Musical muse of photographer Peter Lindbergh, Russian pianist Irina Lankova delivers her most personal album, punctuating "Élégie" with pieces by Rachmaninoff, Schubert and Bach which have changed her life..”
L’Echo, Xavier Flament

Find out more about Elégie programme and tour dates :

https://www.irinalankova.com/elegie-eng