Piano Sonata No. 9 (Prokofiev)

“Sviatoslav Richter’s recording contains several deviations from the sonata’s printed score, which was published after Prokofiev’s death. I had long suspected that Richter might have been following the manuscript, which was in his possession. However, I was in no position to confirm this until recently, when I had an opportunity to examine the manuscript. Thus, for the first time I am able to say with confidence that Richter’s playing corresponds fully with the manuscript.”

“This sonata is very different from the three preceding ones. It is calm and deep. When I told [Prokofiev] that my first impression was of it being both Russian and Beethoven-like, he answered that he himself found both of these qualities present in it.”