Although I can find little to fault technically with John Lill's performance of Prokofiev's First Sonata, I'm not entirely convinced that he is in complete sympathy with this youthful and impetuous work. Lill's rather rigid and constrained approach is the complete antithesis to Barbara Nissman's more fluid, romantic account on Newport Classics/Rare Records, though her more idiosyncratic performances of Sonatas Nos. 2-5 make it difficult for me to recommend that particular disc as a viable alternative. Better perhaps would be Murray McLachlan's fluent account on Olympia/Complete Record Company which also contains a particularly lyrical and poetic reading of the Ninth Sonata.
I have no reservations, however, with Lill's performances of Sonatas Nos. 2 and 3; his introspective and suitably brooding reading of the Andante of No. 2 is very fine indeed, and the finale has plenty of sparkle, vitality and humour. I liked, too, his muscular, athletic approach to the outer sections of No. 3 and the poetry he brings to the lyrical, nostalgic second subject.
The Sonatinas, Op. 54 have been sadly neglected on disc, which makes their inclusion in this collection all the more welcome. Their haunting, enigmatic sound-world reveals a more introspective and personal side to Prokofiev's voice, especially when delivered in performances as sympathetic and thoughtful as these.
When it comes to the Visions fugitives Nikolai Demidenko on Conifer reigns supreme, and if it's just the Visions you're after then go straight to the young Russian's recording without delay. However, both Lill and Berman (Chandos) offer exceptionally fine performances, too, though my first choice (Demidenko aside) would have to be Berman for his slightly more poetic approach.
All in all, Lill's cycle of the Prokofiev piano sonatas is highly recommendable. They offer authority and insight and his overall projection of structure, particularly in the latter works, is very fine indeed. If on the other hand you've been following Berman's impressive cycle of the complete piano music on Chandos (only Vols. 1-3 have appeared so far—2/91 and 6/91) you'll probably want to wait.'