Technically adept, but emotionally stolid and mannered, Prunyi's Tchaikovsky recital is a disappointment, especially with so little of this composer's piano works available. It's remarkable how studied her approach is, how devoid of appeal, spontaneity and Russian soul. Where is the poetry and charisma these compositions easily evoke? Even perennial charmers like the Romance, Op. 5, or Reverie, Op. 19, No. 1, seem merely routine. As well, the placement and juxtapositioning of the pieces themselves doesn't quite work, making the music appear maddeningly lackluster, which it certainly is not. To add insult to injury, the exceptionally realistic recording, compounded by generous disc length, only serves to augment the unfortunate interpretive monotony. Those unfamiliar with Tchaikovsky's piano works should seek out alternative performers, such as Ponti, Postnikova, Richter and Pletnev, who are outstanding in this repertoire.

[Running time: 69:50]

Though all of the works on this disc are characteristically Tchaikovskian, the performance by Ilona Prunyi does leave something to be desired. This disc is an example of when hitting all the right notes isn't enough. Especially in the more exciting pieces, one gets the idea that the pianist is doing this as a part of a contract and not out of any love for the music. Sometimes the playing seems downright wooden.

This said, sometimes a certain charm does shine through. The Polka peu dansante in B minor, Op. 51 No. 2 is delightful. The inexpensive price may tempt some buyers, but other accounts are available at a similar cost. (Pletnev's album

would be one example)