Rachmaninov: The Preludes

Claire Huangci has been playing the piano since she was six, amassing an impressive collection of awards and prizes. Her technique is cast-iron and she can project with real power. Yet Rachmaninov’s 24 preludes call for poetry and intimacy as well as big personality. Huangci has the musicality to embrace everything these powerful miniatures throw at their performer, from the dreamy musings of the Op. 23 set to the more demonstrative Op. 32 group. She’s an elegant player and has much to say about these richly characterful pieces.