The Medtner sonata is the principal work here. Of the three that he wrote the Third (Epica) is perhaps the most intricately worked and, at over 40 minutes, certainly the most substantial. At times it seems almost too long for its own good and for that reason it needs a very persuasive and masterly performance in order to project its strengths. Fortunately Vadim Repin’s and Boris Berezovsky’s performance here is about as persuasive as you can get – Repin is lyrical and passionate and has plenty of fiery temperament for this music, and he is ideally complemented by Berezovsky’s equally splendid playing. Much is made of the sonata’s lyrical and melodic abundance (the Scherzo is delivered with great panache) and Repin’s choice of tempo for all movements is expertly judged – compared to Alexander Shirinsky and Dmitri Galynin, Repin comes in faster in just about all movements; even so I still find the finale a little overworked and extended for the material.
The coupling of the Ravel Sonata is a rather curious one, and I am really not sure that these two sonatas sit well together despite the obvious contrast they may offer. Those with only an interest in the Ravel will probably content themselves with one of the many other fine, more aptly coupled recordings available, which is a pity, as Repin and Berezovsky are perhaps even more impressive here than in the Medtner. As a vehicle for Repin’s talent it shows what a marvellous colourist he is, what exceptional subtlety and nuance he brings to the music and, in the “Blues” movement especially, the sheer frisson he is capable of generating. One cannot understate the superb ensemble playing either, with Berezovsky perfectly atuned to every twist and turn of Repin’s playing.
In sum then, both of these performances are extremely recommendable, so if the coupling appeals this disc is an absolute must. The recorded sound throughout is very realistic and naturally balanced.'