Leslie Howard makes his debut on Melba Recordings with RAKHMANINOV’s Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28 from 1907, and the Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36 in its original 1913 version. Following its premiere performance the hyper- critical Rakhmaninov radically simplified the work. In this release we hear the sonata in its original splendour. This is the world premiere recording of this coupling of the two Rakhmaninov Piano Sonatas. The recording also includes 4 exquisite miniatures written by Rakhmaninov for his own entertainment, Three Piano Pieces from1917 and Nunc dimittis, Op. 37 No. 5, arranged for piano solo as Vesper Mass – V – Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace’ St Luke, 2:29.