Prokofjew: With All My Breath and All My Blood

Sergei Prokofiev, a composer whose work Giorgi Gigashvili has been studying intensely for ten years, is the focus of his second recital album. The three masterpieces, known as the "War Sonatas," are for him "struggles in their purest form," sonatas that must be met "with body and soul": "The composition has something almost inhuman about it. At times I felt that Prokofiev did not want me to play the piano, but to wrestle with the instrument." The very personal title of the album – With all my breath and all my blood – reflects the voice of this young Georgian pianist, who has experienced his country's recent history with great pain: "This music became a place where I could release my anger." As an illustrious guest musician, Gigashvili has invited his compatriot and friend Lisa Batiashvili, with whom he recorded a transcription for violin and piano of the famous "Dance of the Knights" from Romeo and Juliet, as well as a new work by Josef Bardanashvili composed specifically for the duo: To Giya, a tribute to Giya Kancheli.