Valentina Lisitsa, Live at the Royal Albert Hall

I have to say, I think this is the fastest version of the Rachmaninov Prelude in G Minor Op 23 No 5 I have ever heard. I’m sure it’s not the fastest out there, but it’s got to be getting close. The beauty of it, is that she keeps the rhythmic integrity and has a clear sense of direction in each staccato chord. There are a heap of favourite solo piano works on this album, Liszt Liebestraum No. 3, S541, Beethoven Fur Elise and the complete Moonlight Sonata. Recorded up close, it sounds like a private recital. There is a spontaneity to each note that inspires the listener, that only a live recording can have. Be spoilt with this recording.