Label news: Sony signs dormant pianist

The extraordinary pianist Ivo Pogorelich who has made two recordings in the past two decades has signed an ‘ an exclusive long-term recording contract’ with Sony’s Bogdan Roscic.

Starting this autumn Pogorelich, 60, will release Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Sonata, paired with Beethoven sonatas #22 and 24. He said: ‘I am very glad that Sony expressed interest in my current work.  Many years ago the founder of the company, Mr. Akio Morita, presented me with a gift – a remastered set of the original recordings of Sergei Rachmaninov…. On my first Sony recording – soon to be released – I play a work by Sergei Rachmaninov, his Sonata No 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36 and I am very pleased by this association!’

Pogorelich’s last recording was made three years ago for the digital channel Idagio. Before that, he went 18 years without making a record.

(Is that a record?)