FLAC (tracks+Booklet) | Classical | 00:48:42 | 1CD | 183 MbThis sensuous and poignant release by pianist Karim Shehata, his second album on the GENUIN label, is more than just a prelude: it is a collection whose pieces flow into each other, comment, prelude and postlude so seamlessly that, without the booklet, it is hard to believe that these are exclusively preludes – pieces conceived as preparation for something essential.

The list of composers is a Who’s Who ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach to Olivier Messiaen.

The young and yet already mature Karim Shehata plays all this with such ease and depth that one would like to rank him among the greats! Absolutely recommendable.

Tracklist:01. 10 Pieces for Piano, Op. 12: No. 7, Prélude02. Prélude & Fugue in B Minor: I. Prélude (After Bach’s BWV 855a)03. 13 Préludes, Op. 32: No. 12, Grave04. Le tombeau de couperin, M. 68: I. Prélude05. 24 Préludes, Op. 17: No. 14, Andante maestoso e lugubre06. Tre preludi sopra melodie gregoriane: No. 2, Tempestoso07. Prélude in F Major08. 9 Préludes, Op. 103: No. 3 in G Minor09. 24 Préludes Op. 28: No. 8, Molto agitato10. 8 Préludes, H. 181: No. 6, Largo11. 12 Préludes, Op. 63: No 1, Allegro12. 3 Préludes, Op. 15: No. 3, Presto13. Préludes, Livre 2, L. 123: No. 7, La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune14. Préludes, I/2: No. 8, Un reflet dans le vent15. 24 Préludes, Op. 11: No. 2, Allegretto in A Minor