Laureate of several international competitions, the Russian pianist Katia Skanavi possesses all the requisites for a brilliant career: impeccable technique, tasteful musicality, and yes, a lot of charm. Her debut recording for Pro Piano in New York follows a handful of CDs published by the French label Lyrinx. Thanks to a beautiful tone and fluent fingerwork, Katia Skanavi’s playing conveys in equal parts fiery exuberance, drama, and intimate lyricism. The rare Introduction and Variations on “Je vends des scapulaires” seduces by its sparkling wit, while the Andante spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante, though not as dreamy and subtle as Michelangeli’s incomparable Vatican recording, never gives way to empty virtuosity. Yet something is missing in these performances. After repeated hearings, Katia Skanavi’s Chopin sounds self-indulgent and narcissistic: the Berceuse and the Nocturne in C-sharp minor are mannered and stretched to extremes. In the B-flat minor Sonata, her bold and impetuous temperament is sweetened by a delicate lyricism, actually more like a whispering on the edge of silence. These moments could generate magic; unfortunately, the pastel coloring isn’t matched by equally interesting phrasing, and the music seems to sink into immobility. There’s no question that her fingers do all she asks of them, but interpretively this is more of a near miss rather than a direct hit. The recording faithfully picks up the performer’s contrasted dynamics and colorful touch.
