Barcarolle

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If you've ever presumed Chopin was a miniaturist whose music is to be played daintily you are wrong, and this CD is living proof. The Sonata No. 2 is a grand work and Freire treats it as such. He creates great tension in the first movement and delivers; his "scherzo" is filled with tempi tricks that all somehow cohere as he fearlessly leaps all over the keyboard, and the finale, a harmonic puzzle of sorts, makes excellent sense with all of the melodic lines given equal strength. The Barcarolle is more ferocious than we're used to but it's still a valid reading, and the Etudes are, indeed, perfect studies, offering a superb student's eye view of each. Highly Recommended. --Robert Levine

Tracks:

24 Preludes, Op.28: I - C Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: II - A Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: III - G Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: IV - E Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: V - D Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: VI - B Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: VII - A Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: VIII - F Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: IX - E Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: X - C Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XI - B Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XII - G Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIII - F Sharp Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIV - E Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XV - D Flat Major 'Raindrop'
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVI - B Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVII - A Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVIII - F Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIX - E Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XX - C Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXI - B Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXII - G Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIII - F Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIV - D Minor
Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.45
Prelude In A Flat Major
Impromptu In A Flat Major, Op.29
Impromptu In F Sharp Major, Op.36
Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.51
Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor, Op.66

Tracks:

Ballade No.1 In G Minor, Op.23
Ballade No.2 In F Major, Op.38
Ballade No.3 In A Flat Major, Op.47
Ballade No.4 In F Minor, Op.52
Scherzo No.1 In B Minor, Op.20
Scherzo No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.31
Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
Scherzo No.4 In E Minor, Op.54

Tracks:

3 Nocturnes, Op.9: I - B Flat Minor
3 Nocturnes, Op.9: II - E Flat Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.9: III - B Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: I - F Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: II - F Sharp Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: III - G Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.27: I - C Sharp Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.27: II - D Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.32: I - B Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.32: II - A Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.37: I - G Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.37: II - G Major

Tracks:

2 Nocturnes, Op.48: I - C Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.48: II - F Sharp Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.55: I - F Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.55: II - E Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.62: I - B Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.62: II - E Major
Nocturne In E Minor, Op.72 No.1
Nocutrne In C Sharp Minor
Nocturne In C Minor

Tracks:

12 Etudes, Op.10: I - C Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: II - A Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: III - E Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: IV - C Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: V - G Flat Major 'Black Key'
12 Etudes, Op.10: VI - E Flat Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: VII - C Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: VIII - F Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: IX - F Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: X - A Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: XI - E Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: XII - C Minor 'Revolutionary'
12 Etudes, Op.25: I - A Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: II - F Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: III - F Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: IV - A Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: V - E Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VI - G Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VII - C Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VIII - D Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: IX - G Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: X - B Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: XI - A Minor 'Winter Wind'
12 Etudes, Op.25: XII - C Minor

Tracks:

2 Polonaises, Op.26: I - C Sharp Minor
2 Polonaises, Op.26: II - E Flat Minor
2 Polonaises, Op.40: I - A Major
2 Polonaises, Op.40: II - C Minor
Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op.44
Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op.53
Polonaise-fantaisie In A Flat Major, Op.61

Tracks:

3 Polonaises, Op.71: I - D Minor
3 Polonaises, Op.71: II - B Flat Major
3 Polonaises, Op.71: III - F Minor
Polonaise In B Flat Minor
Polonaise In G Flat Major
Polonaise In G Minor
Polonaise In B Flat Major
Polonaise In A Flat Major
Polonaise In G Sharp Minor

Tracks:

Waltz In E Flat Major, Op.18
3 Waltzes, Op.34: I - A Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.34: II - A Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.34: III - F Major
Waltz In A Flat Major, Op.42
3 Waltzes, Op.64: I - D Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.64: II - C Sharp Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.64: III - A Flat Major
2 Waltzes, Op.69: I - A Flat Major
2 Waltzes, Op.69: II - B Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.70: I - G Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.70: II - F Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.70: III - D Flat Major
Waltz In E Minor (1830)
Waltz In E Major (1829)
Waltz In A Minor (?1843)
Waltz In A Flat Major (1827)
Waltz In E Flat Major ('Sostenuto', 1840)
Waltz In E Flat Major (1829 - 1830)

Tracks:

4 Mazurkas, Op.6: I - F Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: II - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: III - E Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: IV - E Flat Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: I - B Flat Major
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: II - A Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: III - F Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: IV - A Flat Major
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: V - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: I - B Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: II - E Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: III - A Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: IV - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: I - G Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: II - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: III - A Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: IV - B Flat Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: I - C Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: II - B Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: III - D Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: IV - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: I - G Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: II - D Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: III - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: IV - B Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: I - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: II - E Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: III - B Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: IV - A Flat Major

Tracks:

3 Mazurkas, Op.50: I - G Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.50: II - A Flat Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.50: III - C Sharp Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: I - B Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: II - C Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: III - C Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: I - A Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: II - A Flat Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: III - F Sharp Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: I - B Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: II - F Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: III - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: I - G Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: II - G Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: III - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: IV - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: I - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: II - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: III - F Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: IV - F Minor
Mazurka In A Minor ('a Emile Gaillard', 1840)
Mazurka In A Minor ('Notre temps', 1840)
Mazurka In B Flat Major (1826)
Mazurka In G Major (1826)
Mazurka In A Flat Major (1834)
Mazurka In C Major (1833)
Mazurka In B Flat Major (For Alexandra Wolowska, 1832)
Mazurka In D Major (1832)
Mazurka In D Major (?1820)
Mazurka In F Minor, Op.68 No. 4 - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: I - Grave - Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: II - Scherzo
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: III - Marche funebre
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: IV - Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: I - Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: II - Scherzo: Molto vivace
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: III - Largo
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: IV - Finale: Presto, non tanto
Fantaisie In F Minor, Op. 49

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: I - Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: II - Minuetto - Trio
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: III - Larghetto
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: IV - Finale: Presto
Variations sur un air national allemand - E Major (1826)
Rondo In C Minor, Op.1
3 Ecossaises, Op.72 No.3: I - D Major; II - G Major; III - D Flat Major
Rondo 'a la Mazur' In F Major, Op.5
Marche funebre In C Minor, Op.72 No.2
Contredanse In G Flat Major (?1827) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Rondo In C Major, Op.73 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Variations In D Major For Piano Duet (1826) - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

Variations In A Major ('Souvenir de Paganini', 1829)
Variations brillantes In B Flat Major, Op.12
Rondo In E Flat Major, Op.16
Bolero In A Minor, Op.19
Cantabile In B Flat Major
Variation In E Major
Largo In E Flat Major
Allegro de concert In A Major, Op.46
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): I - F Minor
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): II - A Flat Major
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): III - D Flat Major
Tarentelle In A Flat Major, Op.43
Fugue In A Minor (1841 - 42)
Albumblatt in E Major (1843)
Op.74 No.2: Wiosna - Spring
2 Bourrees (1846): I - G Minor; II - A Major
Galop Marquis
Berceuse In D Flat Major, Op.57
Barcarolle In F Sharp Major, Op.60

Customer Reviews:

My experience of this CD.......2007-04-04

My hats off to this CD collection! It was worth it!!! Chopin is a true genius for the piano, on this collection.

Beautiful!.......2006-08-18

This is a beautifully played collection of Chopin's work. It was a birthday gift,
and I listen to bits of it every day. I have yet to find a favorite
CD, as each is so lovely. It is well worth the price.

Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful!.......2006-06-10

I am not a classical music expert but I am an expert when it comes to a great product. I have listened to the works of rubenstein and Horowitz, but nothing is comparable to this great collection of polands favorite son. The nocturnes are dreamy and romantic. The other pieces though not as mesmerizing have plenty of depth and feeling. This is a collection that you will listen to over and over again. Although this music is great anytime, it's especially meaningful during a light rainfall. Go ahead and make this investment. It's only $100.00. For the next 100 days save a dollar and you will have it paid for. I promise you won't be sorry. Excellent! Excellent!

Best investment to make.......2006-05-21

In my opinion, this is the apex of classical music. You will not find a better CD for Chopin or any piano recordings. There may be plenty of comparable CDs, but nothing can claim to surpass this.

Although some pieces are not as good as those by other artists, Ashkenazy's interpretations of Chopin are the best I've ever heard. Add in his amazing technical performance and you've got some sublime music.

Listening to these pieces have immensely helped my own Chopin reportoire. I don't play to mimic Ashkenazy, but I use his insights and apply my own style over that and end up with something exponentially better than what I could produce on my own.

The price is something you have to seriously consider. A hundred bucks. Yeah, that's a lot of money, but that's 48 cents per song. And you'll listen to these songs dozens of times, at least, I guarantee. Plus it's a great deal... if you were to get all the Ashkenazy-Chopin CDs available on Amazon, overlapping pieces as little as possible, you'd pay $30 more and still not have everything.

This is an investment for life and will definitely remain one of my favorite CD sets for decades. Decades. A hundred bucks for decades of amazing music. This stuff is larger than today, larger than life.. music this good is something you can't afford to pass up because of temporary financial difficulties.

A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !.......2005-09-15

Lets imagine that Chopin himself has recorded his own compositions in a perfectly clear CD. I am sure that some classical music reviewers would say "This is not the way Chopin is meant to be played". These classical music "pundits" are very intolerant.

Interpretation and emotion feeling is also a matter of taste, so that the only one who can give a final answer is Franois (Frederic).

Ashkenazy is gifted with a phenomenal technique, a great pianist. So that this collection is for sure 5 stars. Enjoy it.

Ah, if you like to see piano technique in action, listen to Georgy Cziffra's interpretation of Etude op. 10 no. 4. (Search the album in my reviews.)

Average customer rating:

Cherkassky said it best
The best Charkassky album extant
Elegant Chopin
Great record.
Listen to the Preludes, Barcarolle and Nocturne

Shura Cherkassky

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000HY8B
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

Etudes, Op. 10: No. 1 In C, Allegro
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 2 In A-Minor, Allegro
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 3 In E, Lento ma non troppo
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 4 In C-Sharp Minor, Presto
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 5 In G-Flat 'Black Keys,' Vivace
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 6 in E-Flat Minor, Andante
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 7 In C, Vivace
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 8 In F, Allegro
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 9 In F-Minor, Allegro molto agitato
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 10 In A-Flat, Vivace assai
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 11 In E Flat, Allegretto
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 12 In C-Minor 'Revolutionary,' Allegro con fuoco
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 1 In A-Flat 'Aeolian Harp,' Allegro sostenuto
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 2 In F-MInor, Presto
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 3 In F, Allegro
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 4 In A Minor, Agitato
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 5 In E-MInor, Vivace
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 6 In G-Sharp Minor, Allegro
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 7 In C-Sharp Minor, Lento
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 8 In D Flat, Vivace
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 9 In G Flat 'Butterfly,' Allegro assai
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 10 In B-Minor, Allegro con fuoco
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 11 In A-MInor 'Winter Wind,' Lento-Allegro
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 12 In C-MInor, Allegro molto
Apologia: Trois nouvelles etudes - No. 1 In F Minor, Andantino
Trois nouvelles etudes: No. 1 In D-Flat, Allegretto
Trois nouvelles etudes: No. 1 In 3 In A-Flat, Allegretto
Trois nouvelles etudes: Fantasy In F-Minor, Op. 49
Trois nouvelles etudes: Mazurkza In D, Op. 33, No. 2

Tracks:

Barcarolle In F-Sharp, Op. 60
Nocturne In F-Minor, Op. 55, No. 1
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 1 In C, Agitato
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 2 In E-Minor, Largo
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 3 In 3 In G, Vivace
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 4 In B-Minor, Lento assai
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 5 In D, Allegro molto
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 6 In B-Minor, Lento assai
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 7 In A, Andantino
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 8 In F-Sharp Minor, Molto agitato
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 9 In E, Largo
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 10 In C-Sharp Minor, MOlto allegro
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 11 In B, Vivace
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 12 In G-Sharp Minor, Presto
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 IN F-Sharp, Lento
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E-Flat Minor, Allegro
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D-Flat, Sostenuto
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B-Flat Minor, Presto con fuoco
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A-Flat, Allegretto
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F-Minor, Molto allegro
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 19 In E-Flat, Vivace
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 20 In C Minor, Largo
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 21 IN B-Flat, Cantabile
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 22 In G-Minor, Molto agitato
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 23 In F, Moderato
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 24 In D Minor, Allegro appassionato
Piano Sonata No. 3 In B-Minor, Op. 58: 1. Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata No. 3 In B-Minor, Op. 58: 2. Scherzo. Molto vivace
Piano Sonata No. 3 In B-Minor, Op. 58: 3. Largo
Piano Sonata No. 3 In B-Minor, Op. 58: 4. Finale. Presto ma non tanto

Customer Reviews:

Cherkassky said it best.......2007-06-21

In the liner notes to this CD, Cherkassky is quoted as saying: "Some people like my playing, and some perhaps don't. But I don't think anybody can call me boring."

That was exactly my thought when first listening to his interpretations. The tempos and phrasing are inventive and unique. There are times he seems to be so inventive that his hands sound as if they are not quite operating in sync, yet it all works beautifully. Cherkassky's playing demonstrates the difference between a skilled technician and an artist.

His rendition of the Chopin Barcarolle is a true masterpiece, one I never tire of listening to. It alone would justify buying this album.

The best Charkassky album extant.......2004-08-08

I heard Shura Cherkassky play in person three times, and each time he blew me away, but his recordings were not always as warm or exciting as his live performances. This set is an exception. In the Etudes, especially, I can almost see Shura hunched over the keys, his feet working the pedals frantically if instinctively to produce those beautiful corruscating cascades of sound in which he enveloped us all. How magical his playing was, and how unique! I am so happy that this album exists so I can tell people, "THAT is what Shura Cherkassky sounded like."

Elegant Chopin.......2003-04-12

If I had to choose just one adjective to describe the playing of Shura Cherkassky, it would be 'elegant.' I've just been comparing all the traversals of the Chopin 'Preludes' contained in the Philips 'Great Pianists of the 20th Century' collection; it includes those of Marta Argerich, Claudio Arrau, Jorge Bolet, and Alfred Cortot, along with Cherkassky's. Of these surely the most elegant, the most nuanced are those of Cherkassky. Arrau's come close (and are in better sound). For my money, the most exciting, although not necessarily the most accurate, are still those of Cortot, as old as they are. Still, I would not want to be without these gems by Cherkassky. He seems unrushed, unrhetorical, unmannered. The Preludes seem natural, somewhat restrained, always wise and civilized. The sound in these 1968 recordings is just fine.

The 'Études,' however, are something else. They seem a bit unsettled and the sound, from the early 1950s, shows its age. Still, they are skilfully phrased and he makes music of them, not just show-pieces. The F major and the C minor ('Revolutionary') are particularly effective.

As one earlier reviewer pointed out, the 'Nocturne in F minor, Op. 55, No. 1' is wonderful. And even better is the 'Barcarolle in F-sharp, Op. 60.' Indeed, it is one of the best I know.

The Third sonata does not catch fire, for some reason. I wonder why Philips didn't include his more effective recording of the Second. Ah, well, I think it's still available elsewhere.

The Philips collection is a treasure-house of important performances and this set is particularly valuable for the Preludes, the F minor Nocturne, and the Barcarolle.

Great record........2002-04-15

Excellent disk! When I bought this recorg a few years ago it was intuitive choise. I was beginner in the piano music. But, after many listenings of other pianists this interpretation of Chopin is still the best. Here I'm filling the gone epoch, epoch of lyrics and romantics.
If you like Chopin - buy it.

Listen to the Preludes, Barcarolle and Nocturne.......2002-02-06

Most of the reviewers liked this recording for the Etudes. I pull this recording out for the Preludes, the outstanding Barcarolle and Nocturne Op. 55 No. 1. These recordings are my standards for these works. He caresses these works with such loving tenderness. His melodic line always sings, and he can be so magical in the way he turns a phrase.

I first dismissed this recording of the Preludes because Cherkassky doesn't have the same technical polish that younger artists are able to attain. But if you listen to the Preludes for a while, you discern Cherkassky's astonishing ability to create pianistic color. The Preludes are little tone poems and need to be played with that in mind. By comparison, most newer recordings now sound shallow and dry to me.

The B minor Sonata is a live performance and also shows Cherkassky at his most individual. Yet another performance to be cherished.

Tracks:

Polonaise - Fantasie, Op. 61, In A-flat Major
Sonata, K 127, L. 186 In A - flat Major
Sonata, K. 87, L. 33, In B Minor
Sonata, K. 135, L. 224, In E Major
Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 5
Scherzo No. 1, Op. 20, In B Minor
Etude, Op. 10, No. 4, In C-sharp Minor
Etincelles, Op. 36, No. 6
Prelude, Op. 23, No. 5, in G Minor: Prelude, Op. 23, No. 5
Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 3, in B Major
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Nocturne, Op. 27, No. 1, In C - sharp Minor
Scherzo No. 2, Op. 31, In B-flat Minor
Etude, Op. 72, No. 6, In F Major
Variations On A Theme From 'Carmen'

Tracks:

Mephisto Waltz No. 1
Barcarolle, Op. 60, In F-sharp Major
Etude, Op. 2, No. 1, In C-sharp Minor
Prelude, Op. 32, No. 5, In G Major
Nocturne, Op. 72, No. 1, In E Minor
Etude, Op. 8, No. 7, In B-flat Minor
Barcarolle, Op. 10, No. 3
Polonaise, Op. 53, In A-flat Major
Rakoczy March (Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15)
Etude, Op. 8, No. 12, In D-sharp Minor
Etude, Op. 25, No. 7, In C-sharp Minor
Ballade No. 1, Op. 23, In G Minor
Etude, Op. 42, No. 5, In C-sharp Minor
The Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

Top ten of any performance ever!.......2004-07-08

We made sure our home had hardwood floors just so we could enjoy this performance at its absolute best. Listen to it at lifelike volume and enjoy the ride: it sounds like it could unravel at any moment, but it never does. So many performances of this work are technically stunning, but tremendously dull. Horowitz brings this piece to life like no other pianist. But, if you can find it, Lazar Berman's recording for CBS was stunning.

Largely Dispensable.......2004-06-12

Beginning with a rather tinny Polonaise-Fantaisie, Horowitz follows it up with three relatively stunning Scarlatti sonatas. I am terrified by his reading of the Rachmaninoff G Minor prelude, he uses practically NO pedal at all. The Hungarian Rhapsody by Liszt is borderlining on out of control throughout, as is typical by Horowitz. The Chopin B Major Nocturne is one of the few highlights on this first disc.

Horowitz's Mephisto Waltz has always been horrific, blaring and, dare I say, bangy. I still can not fathom how the greatest pianist of the twentieth century could play a piece so poorly! The highlights of the second disc are certainly the Scriaban preludes. In concurrence with a previous reviewer, the Chopin Ballade is by no means acceptable. If you are looking for the best recording of this piece, Horowitz Live and Unedited, the recording of the 1965 Carnegie Hall return concert, is absolutely unsurpassable.

RCA squeaked out a three-star rating with some fine selections, but others are, simply . . . not good. If you are looking for Horowitz at his best, the previously mentioned "Live and Unedited" CD is the best of his I own, out of about 12 CD's.

A Mix of Sensitive, Passionate, and Vulgar Playing..........2003-07-07

Horowitz has always been a controversial figure in the music world, and this CD can help explain why. It abounds in obscene playing of Chopin (it's an almost painful experience to listen to the reading of the first Ballade) and contains some ridiculously eccentric Liszt (it sounds as if Horowitz plays the last two chords of the first Mephisto Waltz with his elbows). Apart from these shenanagins, however, Horowitz offers up several sparkling Scarlatti Sonatas, beautifully passionate Scriabin Etudes, and demonically exciting original transcriptions such as The Stars and Stripes Forever and the Carmen Variations. The two other Liszt selections are also very entertaining. My rating of three stars is based on the overall quality of playing on this particular album and not on my opinion of Horowitz in general. Still, this recording is worth the money for the few treats I have mentioned.

Great value!.......2003-06-08

This is a great value double-CD album. Horowitz is my top pianist. Not only do I enjoy the boundless passions of his playing, but I also find in his rich range of expressions something beyond techniques and maturity that other pianists cannot rival. This is an ideal album for anyone who wants to experience the colours and virtuosity of the renowned pianist.

Simply Great!.......2003-06-06

Average customer rating:

At least 16 / 19 well spent hours
Enlightening but slighly blemished
Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc
Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc
Learn, learn, learn!

Chopin: Complete Edition
Krystian Zimerman , Claudio Arrau , Stefan Askenase , Anatol Ugorski , Maurizio Pollini , Jean-Marc Luisada , and Zilberstein, Lilya
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Liszt: Piano Works
Bach: Complete Works - 155 CD Box Set
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set)
Chopin: The Piano Works
Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00001X58Z
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Amazon.com

On the 150th anniversary of his death, Deutsche Grammophon released this impressive box set featuring the complete works of Frédéric Chopin. Spread out over 17 CDs, it contains some truly big-name artists--Argerich, Pollini, Barenboim, and Ashkenazy--and a few you've probably never heard of. The majority of the set's nine volumes contain some music newly produced for this undertaking, and a few items (Chopin's songs, for instance) were recorded specifically for this collection. A well-illustrated book is included--it contains an essay, dateline, and illustrations--and each volume in the set gets its own liner notes. The music? It varies from great to less than great, but most of it is worth hearing. Those accustomed to Rubinstein's readings of the Mazurkas will find those played by Jean-Marc Luisada less fluid and lacking Rubinstein's power. Chopin's songs, seldom heard and filled with elements of Polish folk dances and the less-than-stellar lyrics of the composer's friend Stefan Witwicki, get a college try here by soprano Elzbieta Szmytka. They sound as good as you'll hear anywhere (if you can find them). It probably goes without saying that Martha Argerich's rousing 26 Préludes are some of the set's more exciting moments. But, really, the entire collection is solid. It should be noted that budget label Naxos has released its own Chopin edition at less than half the price of this set. With Idil Biret as the only performer on that set, you miss out on some of the diverse performances and personalities found here. Also, to please those of us who already own favorite performances of these works, each two-CD volume in the Complete Chopin Edition can be purchased individually. Bravo. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

At least 16 / 19 well spent hours.......2004-10-11

In my opinion there is no more effective way to ruin a great musical performance than to record it in front of an audience who cannot control their coughs. The first disc starts out with a 1979 live recording of Chopin's first piano/orchestra concerto featuring pianist Krystian Zimerman and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. The performance is good, but doesn't allow the listener full concentration,--and therefore not full enjoyment--as a distracting and annoying audience can be heard coughing, sneezing, and clearing their throats even above the orchestra's playing in mezzo forte - it gets worse, of course, at dynamically quieter musical parts. Other distractions, like chairs creaking, cracking and squeaking, pages being turned probably inches away from a microphone (perhaps to give the page-turner a chance to say "Did you hear that? That was me,") and people stomping/dropping things (?) add to the incapability of the listener's full enjoyment. I've heard much worse, however, but considering that the recording technique is no older than 25 years, this is on the verge of being unacceptable. Sure - there can be a certain charm in hearing such "humanity" on a recording, especially when it's older, but I don't think many would disagree that this is a bit too much. Hearing the opening of piano/orchestra concerto no.2, and knowing that the 18+ hours of music to come aren't going to be interrupted by coughs, is a big relief. My favorite Chopin interpreter is--and might always be--Rubinstein; his playing is straight forward, he cuts to the chase quickly, yet somehow manages to leave room for sensitivity and emotion. His performances, of course--since he never recorded a note for Deutsche Grammophon,--are not included in this "complete edition," so aside from suggestions that certain waltzes are missing, that is something that makes this boxed set incomplete for me. Pollini's general interpretation of Chopin is in my opinion, as in many others', quite weak in comparison to Argerich's, Zimerman's, or the passionate playing of Daniel Barenboim. Here Pollini performs Etudes, Scherzos, Sonatas and Polonaises. At times, during the Etudes of op. 10, I feel like I'm getting more Maurizio than I am getting Fryderyk, even though the performance (especially on no.3) may invite feelings of thriving despite the performer's occasional roaring in the left channel. The Scherzos feature some troublesome factors; first and foremost the sound (of this 1990 recording) isn't at all as good as one would expect. It's far worse than several older recordings of this set - at only six seconds into the first Scherzo (op.20) one can't avoid acknowledging obvious distortion - the recording has clearly been done with too much input level. Clips noises continue throughout the grainy and dull sound picture of these pieces. Second of all, the noises Pollini makes while playing can be quite off putting. At times he sounds like a boy with a voice just breaking experiencing climax of coition, and as we all know, Chopin had a prudish aversion to overt sexuality. One reason why Pollini's performance of the Scherzos being called "troublesome" might be harsh, is that musically he handles them ok, and I'd think that's what's essential, but Deutsche Grammophon has made the odd decision of including Pollini's recording of Sonata no. 2, op.35 (a.k.a. "Funeral March") from 1984 in this set, instead of Argerich's recording from 1975. First of all, Argerich's version has clearer sound (at least on the newly refurbished "The Originals" edition...but then again, that was released in 2002,) but second of all, and more importantly, her playing is far more straight forward during the first part of the Sonata (Grave,) whereas Pollini shows too much mercy both for strong dynamics and tempo throughout. Furthermore he's on the verge of playing parts of the March suggesting "lento," as if it read "rubato" (it's a MARCH!) His performance of Piano Sonata no.3 is also a bit lifeless, but the hour long disc of Polonaises recorded 1975 he handles surprisingly well (the occasional phlegmatic karaoke-roars may need a little time getting used to, though.) Several of these interpreters make some less musical noises while playing - Zimerman, for instance, breathes heavily through the nose after each and every completed phrase throughout all off his performances (although it can't be heard with orchestra.) When listening to his solo performances in head phones, the constant snuffling can distract and annoy quite a bit, but I know that I do the exact same thing when I play, myself, so perhaps I shouldn't complain until I've managed to rid the inconvenient problem myself. Besides Pollini's Polonaise interpretations, there's another (76 minute long) disc of Polonaises featuring mainly Ugorski, but also Argerich. Something that seems odd to me is that the sound quality of Argerich's 1974 recording once again is superior to a newer recording - in this case to the 1999 recording of Ugorski, which doesn't feature much middle in the sound picture, but uneven soughing and clip noises! Both their performances (but especially Argerich's,) are about as enjoyable as Chopin interpretations can be, I'd think, as is the technically and musically perfect, touching and mesmerizing Nocturne interpretations of Daniel Barenboim, recorded in 1981 - his playing here equals close to two hours of pure magic. While being a Rubinstein fan, I'm going to have to say that Barenboim's way of playing the Nocturnes is just how I think they should be played; they call for this somewhat gentle touch mixed in with their brutal sincerity, but I suggest for those who (especially) enjoy the Etudes, Sonatas and Scherzos to listen to Rubinstein's recordings of the works (available on RCA's Rubinstein Collection, vol. 26, vol. 45 and vol. 46.) Pollini is, of course, a fine performer, but I'd suggest listening to his interpretations of Prokofiev's and Stravinsky's work instead.
Rubinstein recorded the preludes (op.28) in their entirety only once, in 1946, which means that they aren't available in RCA's collection with preferable sound quality, but on this set Martha Argerich delivers a great performance of the 26 preludes (no.1-24, op.28, plus 25, op.45, and 26, op. 35,) recorded in 1975. One prelude that in my opinion should always be played as slow and gentle as possible is no.15 (a.k.a. "The Raindrop Prelude.") What I'd like to describe as a prefect version of the piece is performed by--despite my having done a lot of research--a, to me unknown performer, but runs at 6:08 minutes. Argerich rushes the whole piece a bit (the drops fall too closely -) the fact that her version runs at 4:51 should say a lot. Of the approximately 20 different performances I've heard of this particular prelude (obviously one of my favorites,) Argerich's is the shortest, and lays somewhere in the swamp among other "medium integral" versions. She delivers exciting performances of the other preludes, though - the first time I heard them, I hit repeat on my CD player, and listened to nothing else for three days.
The Mazurkas, here performed by Jean-Marc Luisada and Lilya Zilberstein, are performed--while beautifully--quite carefully and loosely. For those who'd like a more restrained performance of the pieces, RCA's Rubinstein Collection, vol. 50, is recommended.
Besides all the music for only piano(s,) Chopin also composed 80 minutes worth of chamber music, which here is performed by Beaux Arts Trio, et al. He also wrote 45+ minutes worth of songs, which here is performed by soprano Elzbieta Szmytka and pianist Malcolm Martineau on a 1999 performance. I don't feel qualified to comment on solo singing in Polish, but while I don't care for the occasional close-to-full effect vibrato, I like Martineau's piano playing and the almost folksy melodies and arrangements. This music distinguishes itself by far from the rest of the music in the set. Translations to several languages of the lyrics to the 19 songs are included.
The stereophony on all recordings is great, the overall sound quality on all discs (when considering the years of the recordings) I'd give a 4/5, but still rate the whole package 9/10 - I'd think that some (both older and newer) recordings could have been transferred better, while some sound superior to what you'd dare dream of. This is definitely the best complete edition of Chopin's music available, and perhaps the best collection of works available on disc by any classical composer. A lot of work has been put into the set's design, the sound, and certainly the amount and accuracy of interesting info given in the enclosed illustrated 140 page hard-cover book (of which a fifth is written in English) and in the 40-60 page booklets (also illustrated) included in each volume; practically everything you'll ever need to know about the composer (and these recordings) is included here along with all the music he wrote. Well worthy of your time and money.

Enlightening but slighly blemished.......2004-07-05

I commend DG on producing this comprehensive and thoughtfully packaged/annotated collection of Chopin's output. In it one can appreciate the wondrous manner in which Chopin at once appeased the conservative appetites of the Paris salon set while revolutionizing the genre of piano music in both traditional and more intimate forms.

The greatest virtue of this collection is the opportunity to hear more obscure elements of Chopin's collected ouevre. He wrote some lovely chamber music and wrote highly effective variations with and without orchestra. Among his 17 songs are a few gems.

As for the strength of the performances, some of them are rightly considered definitive. I love Zimerman in the piano concerti, Argerich owns the Op. 28 preludes, and I find in Pollini's scherzos the unbridled energy and interpretive depth required by these challenging pieces. Even if Daniel Barenboim's nocturnes do not set any records, they are well-done and completely satisfying.

I was less enthusiastic about Pollini's readings of the latter 2 piano sonatas, which I find prosaic on the whole. I was equally underwhelmed by Bunin's impromptus, which again betray interpretive rather than technical deficiencies. My greatest disappointment is Jean-Marc Luisada's controversial readings of the mazurkas. An unwieldy rubato rules the day here, and distorts the harmonic language to the point that it sounds like Debussy or Ravel's frequent (and unshakeably French-sounding) evocations of Spain. I much prefer any of the Rubinstein mazurka sets, which are colorful but rhythmically mindful of their namesakes.

Properly supplemented in the more familiar repertory (mazurkas, impromptus, sonatas, in particular), I believe this set is indispensable to anyone who appreciates or seeks a broader understanding of Chopin the composer. I recommend it highly.

Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc.......2002-04-14

I am a professional Pianist and Piano-pedagoge trained at the University of Graz and Vienna (Austria).
It seems as often reviewers/critics/listeners have the same opinions: I wonder if it isn't in some cases the old story of the Emperors new clothes - nobody dares to have a different opinion, as they do not want to appear stupid.
Some of the reviewers here, didn't like Luisadas performances of the Mazurkas. I hold the heretical opinion that Jean-Marc Luisadas performances are much better than Rubinsteins (I possess the three different complete Mazurka recordings of Rubinstein). There are few pianists that like Luisada know how to treat the piano as a truly polyphonic instrument, with absolute control of every line, and at the same time being able to emphasise every harmonic detail - giving every chord its differing and appropriate degree of tension. Furthermore he understands how to display the different moods and characters of the music. All these factors make Luisadas performances extremely colourful. Every Mazurka with Luisada is a unique experience.

Ps. Other recordings do occasionally wet the critical appetite: For instance the everywhere highly acclaimed Chopin recordings with Pollini are often musically awful, the Etudes opus 10 nr. 1 and opus 25 nr. 1 are examples. For the complete Etudes, buy Boris Berezovsky's recording for Teldec, it surpasses Pollini by far. Ds.

Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc.......2002-04-14

Learn, learn, learn!.......2000-10-16

This box set is a must for any lover of piano music.

DG deserves praise for coming with an excellent set of records as well as presentation of the booklets. It is breathtaking to have the opportunity to really know Chopin so well.

Performers are first rate and speak for themselves, and for the price of 8 CD's you get the whole collection. Yes, you can get in some cases better performances, but overall you can find a better compilation. Naxos has its own, and I am going to exchange it with a friend, problem will be to get mine back!

Tracks:

Allegro
Allegro
Lento Ma Non Troppo
Presto
Vivace
Andante
Vivace
Allegro
Allegro Molto Agitato
Vivace Assai
Allegretto
Allegro Con Fuoco
Barcarolle, Op.60
I. Grave-Doppio Movimento
II. Scherzo-Piu Lento-Tempo I
III. Marche Funebre (Lento)
IV. Finale (Presto)

Amazon.com

If you've ever presumed Chopin was a miniaturist whose music is to be played daintily you are wrong, and this CD is living proof. The Sonata No. 2 is a grand work and Freire treats it as such. He creates great tension in the first movement and delivers; his "scherzo" is filled with tempi tricks that all somehow cohere as he fearlessly leaps all over the keyboard, and the finale, a harmonic puzzle of sorts, makes excellent sense with all of the melodic lines given equal strength. The Barcarolle is more ferocious than we're used to but it's still a valid reading, and the Etudes are, indeed, perfect studies, offering a superb student's eye view of each. Highly Recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

SACD version better.......2006-08-29

Having now had the opportunity to compare this CD with the Hybrid SACD version, I urge lovers of great Chopin to purchase the latter, as it opens out the sonority of Freire's Steinway as only SACD can.

Playing this exquisite deserves the very best, and SACD delivers it. Five stars for the SACD version, four stars for this one.

Good Recording.......2005-07-26

Since Nelson Freire was included on "great pianists of the 20th century" selection, he has been one of the biggest Stars on the "classical music showbiz". It's totally waste of time to discuss if here is talented or not. With no doubt he's a gifted pianist who can walk comfortably trhough the most difficult pieces for piano.

I'm very fond of Chopin studies, and since I began to study piano I've been listening lots of recordings : Arrau, Berezovsky, Cortot, Guiomar Novaes, Ashkenazy, Pollini, Martha Argerich, Magaloff, Kovacevich, amongst others...

Freire's one , with no doubt, is amongst the most valuable in terms of musical_understanding and tone...

The only negative comment I would like to register is regarding Freire's TEMPO. Sometimes I think that he could play more carefully (doing things better on muscial phrases, for an example) instead playing so fast...

Both Barcarolle and 2nd Sonata are very-nicely played.

Regds.,

Roberto.

Average customer rating:

hmmmmm
Be prepared for lesser quality recording
You haven't really heard Chopin if you haven't heard Cortot!
A must for both Chopin lovers and piano enthusiasts
Must have!

Frédéric Chopin: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Alfred Cortot: The Master Classes
The Complete Chopin Recordings
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The Art of Piano Pedaling: Two Classic Guides
The Art of the Piano: Its Performers, Literature, and Recordings Revised and Expanded Edition

ASIN: B000002SBV
Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

Berceuse En Rl Majeur In D Flat Major, Op.57
Chant Plonais N 12 'Moja Piesczotka'
Etude En Sol Bl Majeur In G Flat, Op.10 N 5
Etude En Sol Bl Majeur In G Flat, Op.25 N 9
Etude En La Mineur In A Minor, Op.25 N 11
Impromtu N 1 En La Bl Majeur In A Flat Major, Op.29
Impromtu N 2 En Fa Di Majeur In F Sharp, Op.36
Etude En La Bl Majeur In A Flat Major, Op.25 N 1
Valse N 7 En Ut Diineur In C Sharp Minor, Op.64 N 2
Berceuse En Rl Majeur In D Flat, Op. 57
Ballade N 1 En Sol Mineur In G Minor, Op.23
Prdes Op.28 N 1 En Ut Majeur In C
Prdes Op.28 N 4 En Mi Mineur In Minor
Prdes Op.28 N 8 En Fa Di Mineur In F Sharp
Prdes Op.28 N 12 En Sol Di Mineur In G Sharp Minor
Prdes Op.28 N 17 En La Bl Majeur In A Flat Major
Prdes Op.28 N 19 En La Bl Majeur In E Flat Major
Prdes Op.28 N 24 En Rineur In D Minor
Sonate N 3 En Si Mineur In B Minor, Op.58 I Allegro Maestoso
Sonate N 3 En Si Mineur In B Minor, Op.58 II Scherzo (Allegro vvace)
Sonate N 3 En Si Mineur In B Minor, Op.58 III Largo
Sonate N 3 En Si Mineur In B Minor, Op.58IV Finale (Presto Non Tanto)

Tracks:

Prde En Sol Di Mineur In G Sharp Minor, Op.28 N 12
Nocturne En Mi Bl Majeur In E Flat, Op.9 N 2
Sonate N 2 En Si Bl Majeur In B Flat Major, Op.35: I Grave-Allegro
Sonate N 2 En Si Bl Majeur In B Flat Major, Op.35: II Scherzo
Sonate N 2 En Si Bl Majeur In B Flat Major, Op.35: III Marche Fune
Sonate N 2 En Si Bl Majeur In B Flat Major, Op.35: IV Finale (Presto)
Polonaise N 6 En La Bl Majeur In A Flat Major, Op.53
4 Ballades N 1 En Sol Mineur In G Minor, Op.23
4 Ballades N 2 En Fa Majeur In F MajorOp, 38
4 Ballades N 3 En La Bl Majeur In A Flat Major Op,47
4 Ballades N 4 En Fa Mineur In F Minor, Op.52
Fantaisie En Fa Mineur In F Minor, Op.49
Tarentelle En La Bl Majeur In A Flat, Op.43

Tracks:

Barcarolle En Fa Di Majeur In F Sharp, Op.60
12 Etudes Op.10 N 1 In C
12 Etudes Op.10 N 2 In A
12 Etudes Op.10 N 3 In E
12 Etudes Op.10 N 4 In c Sharp
12 Etudes Op.10 N 5 In G Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 N 6 In G Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 N 7 In E Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 N 8 In F
12 Etudes Op.10 N 9 In f
12 Etudes Op.10 N 10 In A Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 N 11 E Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 N 12 In C
12 Etudes Op.25 N 1 In A Flat
12 Etudes Op.25 N 2 In f
12 Etudes Op.25 N 3 In F
12 Etudes Op.25 N 4 In a
12 Etudes Op.25 N 5 In e
12 Etudes Op.25 N 6 In g Sharp
12 Etudes Op.25 N 7 In c Sharp
12 Etudes Op.25 N 8 In D Flat
12 Etudes Op.25 N 9 In G Flat
12 Etudes Op.25 N 10 In B Flat
12 Etudes Op.25 N 11 In a
12 Etudes Op.25 N 12 In c
Valses N 1 In E Flat, Op.18
Valses N 5 In A Flat, Op.42
Valses N 10 In b, Op.69 N 2
Valses N 14 In e, Op. Posth.

Tracks:

Piano Con No. 2 En f Op.21 I Allegro
Piano Con No. 2 En f Op.21 II Larghetto
Piano Con No. 2 En f Op.21 III Allegro Vivace
Impromptu No.3 In G Flat, Op.51
14 Valses No.1 In E Flat, Op.18
14 Valses No.2 In A Flat, Op.34 No.1
14 Valses No.3 In a, Op.34 No.2
14 Valses No.4 In F, Op.34 No.3
14 Valses No.5 In A Flat, Op.42
14 Valses No.6 In D Flat, Op.64 No.1
14 Valses No.7 In c Sharp, Op.64 No.2
14 Valses No.8 In A Flat, Op.64 No.3
14 Valses No.9 In A Flat, Op.69 No.1
14 Valses No.10 In b, Op.69 No.2
14 Valses No.11 In G Flat, Op.70 No.1
14 Valses No.12 In f, Op.70 No.2
14 Valses No.13 In D Flat, Op.70 No.3
14 Valses No.14 In e, Op. Posth.

Tracks:

24 Prdes Op.28 No.1 In C
24 Prdes Op.28 No.2 In a
24 Prdes Op.28 No.3 In G
24 Prdes Op.28 No.4 In e
24 Prdes Op.28 No.5 In D
24 Prdes Op.28 No.6 In b
24 Prdes Op.28 No.7 In A
24 Prdes Op.28 No.8 In f Sharp
24 Prdes Op.28 No.9 In E
24 Prdes Op.28 No.10 In c Sharp
24 Prdes Op.28 No.11 In B
24 Prdes Op.28 No.12 In g Sharp
24 Prdes Op.28 No.13 In F Sharp
24 Prdes Op.28 No.14 In e Flat
24 Prdes Op.28 No.15 In D Sharp
24 Prdes Op.28 No.16 In B Flat
24 Prdes Op.28 No.17 In A Flat
24 Prdes Op.28 No.18 In f
24 Prdes Op.28 No.19 In E Flat
24 Prdes Op.28 No.20 In c
24 Prdes Op.28 No.21 In B Flat
24 Prdes Op.28 No.22 In g
24 Prdes Op.28 No.23 In F
24 Prdes Op.28 No.24 In d
12 Etudes Op.10 No.1 In C
12 Etudes Op.10 No.2 In a
12 Etudes Op.10 No.3 In E
12 Etudes Op.10 No.4 In c Sharp
12 Etudes Op.10 No.5 In G Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 No.6 In e Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 No.7 In C
12 Etudes Op.10 No.8 In F
12 Etudes Op.10 No.9 In f
12 Etudes Op.10 No.10 In A Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 No.11 In E Flat
12 Etudes Op.10 No.12 In c

Tracks:

12 Etudes Op.25 No.1 In A Flat
12 Etudes Op.25 No.2 In f
12 Etudes Op.25 No.3 In F
12 Etudes Op.25 No.4 In a
12 Etudes Op.25 No.5 In e
12 Etudes Op.25 No.6 In g Sharp
12 Etudes Op.25 No.7 c Sharp
12 Etudes Op.25 No.8 In D Flat
12 Etudes Op.25 No.9 In G Flat
12 Etudes Op.25 No.10 In b
12 Etudes Op.25 No.11 In a
12 Etudes Op.25 No.12 in c
2 ChantsPolonais Op.75 (Transcription F.Liszt):Printemps ('Wiosna')
2 ChantsPolonais Op.75 (Transcription F.Liszt):L'Anneau ('Pierscien')
Nocturnes No.4 In F, Op.15 No.1
Nocturnes No.5 In F Sharp, Op.15 No.2
Nocturnes No.7 In c Sharp, Op.27 No.1
Nocturnes No.15 In f, Op.55 No.1
Nocturnes No.16 In E Flat, Op.55 No.2
3 Nouvelles Etudes Pour La Mode De Moscheles & Fs No.1 In f
3 Nouvelles Etudes Pour La Mode De Moscheles & Fs No.2 In D Flat
3 Nouvelles Etudes Pour La Mode De Moscheles & Fs No.3 In A Flat
Prde In c SHarp, Op.45

Customer Reviews:

hmmmmm.......2005-11-28

I have not purchased the CD but listened to the one minute sample of the first etude opus ten. I am not a fanatic diehard stickler for technique but there were at least 30 or so mistakes/slips. This makes me reluctant to purchase the disc.

Be prepared for lesser quality recording.......2005-11-15

I purchased this CD set on the advice of other reviewers because I wanted a collection of Chopin works and it seemed that Cortot was one of the best pianists who performed Chopin's works.

I cannot write about his musicianship compared with other artists--please read the other reviews. But I will say that if you're planning to purchase this set, be prepared that the quality of the recording is really not that good. I did not heed the warnings of the other reviewers. It sounds like Cortot is performing in the middle of a waterfall.

Perhaps this recording will grow on me, but I'm going to look elsewhere for a set of Chopin works that I would listen to on a regular basis.

Thanks for reading.

You haven't really heard Chopin if you haven't heard Cortot!.......2005-09-21

Well, that may well be the case.

Cortot had won open admiration of Schiff, Cziffra, Michelangeli, Arrau, Solti... just to name a few. His pianism and his Chopin included is so incisive, with myriad of hues from coming from his subtle touch. And the poignancy is such that it is pure poetic ecstasy all through.

Talking about this album, despite the fact that Cortot had a long performing and recording career, the real obstacle is the archive sound. In this album we can have almost the best recording possible, with better transfer than most other trade names by far, be it Naxos or Aura, or whatever for the price of something like Naxos!

Note however that there is some grumble that EMI should instead chose his Preludes recorded in the 30s rather than those of the 40s, and EMI shouldn't have chosen his B Minor Sonata of recorded in the 50s when Cortot was declining... But in the latters we have better recordings and they are more bewitching even if slightless less staggering. Likewise, Barbirolli's accompaniment here may not be the most ideal, yet it is so fresh and so alive to say the least. On the whole, the recording and transfer is much better than what we have in Rachmaninov's box set by RCA.

Enormously enjoybale with so much to learn. And for those find the archive sound hard to bear with, do bear in mind that the pianist whom Schiff listen to most is Cortot, and before Cortot, it was Schnabel!

A must for both Chopin lovers and piano enthusiasts.......2004-10-17

This box set, something very difficult to find in the real world, is a must(!) for anyone interested, historically speaking, in how these works should sound along with their evolution from the early 1900's to the present. Why is Cortot qualified for this role? His teacher was Louis Dermier, one of Chopin's last pupils and supposed one of his favourites. This means Cortot is in fact the grandson of the Chopin technique, learning from one who was directly intructed how to play these works. Beyond that, he is one of the most remarkable pianists of his or any time, often criticized from an overextensive rubato, but this is the essence of Cortot. He may be the most informed pianist of all time, not only dissecting the notes on the page, but the mind of the composer and the life at the time that each composition was invented.
Any enthusiast of Chopin must listen to these recordings with an open mind. At first you will shun them, unaccustomed to the way the pieces differ from today, but soon they will grow on you and you hear each piece as if for the first time, and yo realize how far off our modern pianists are from the truth of the music. Most are more tachnically perfect than Cortot, he was often missing or hitting wrong notes, but the emotion behind those notes is what is the real importance of the music, something lost in todays pianists. Someone once said I would rather hear a good pianists wrong notes than a bad pianists right ones. And I cannot think of a more perfect personification of that comment than Cortot. In my mind he ranks as one of the top five pianists of the recording era, along with Hofmann, Richter, Horowitz, Gilels, and Moiseiwitsch. But honestly, I find more enjoyment listening to Cortot than any other single pianist on record, and this cortot box set covers almost three fourths of his Chopin output, so if you enjoy this find his Emi References of the Impromptus, the two great pianists disc are wonderful transfers, the chamber music trio with Thibaudet and Casals, and for the real enthusiast with money, the prades festival contains his last recording which a perfectly flawed rendition of the Third Cello Sonata by Beethoven and a version of Bei Mannern(different than the naxos.)

Must have!.......2003-07-24

This collection includes about 75% of Cortot's Chopin Recordings, which makes it the best value for anyone who doesn't already have these recordings. Several redundant recordings of works provide a glimpse into Cortot's mental makeup, and shows us just how much of his musical ideas change over time. Add to that the fact that most of the recordings are wonderful to listen to, and you have a must have recordings!

Average customer rating:

The best recording
Every Rachmaninov lover must own this disc

Van Cliburn

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Martha Argerich
Edwin Fischer 2
Daniel Barenboim
Maria João Pires
Claudio Arrau

ASIN: B00000HY8C
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: 1. Allegro ma non tanto
Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: 2. Intermezzo. Adagio
Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: 3. Finale Alla breve
Piano Sonata No.2 In B-flat Minor, Op.36: 1. Allegro agitata
Piano Sonata No.2 In B-flat Minor, Op.36: 2. Non allegro
Piano Sonata No.2 In B-flat Minor, Op.36: 3. Allegro molto

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 In B-Flat Minor, Op.23: 1. Allegro con sprito
Piano Concerto No.1 In B-Flat Minor, Op.23: 2. Adantino semplice
Piano Concerto No.1 In B-Flat Minor, Op.23: 3. Allegro con fuoco
Prelude In D, Op.23 No.4
Prelude In G Minor, Op.23 No.5
Prelude In E-Flat, Op.23 No.6
Prelude In C Minor, Op. 23 No. 7
Etude-Tableau In E-Flat Minor, Op.39 No.5
Prelude In C-sharp Minor, Op.3 No.2
Prelude In G, Op.32 No.5
Prelide In G-Sharp Minor, Op.32 No.12
'Les saisons,' Op.37b: Juin - Barcarolle
'Les saisons,' Op.37b: Mars - Chant de l'alouette

Customer Reviews:

The best recording.......2004-05-30

The Rachmaninoff Third Concerto performance is one of the most musically satisfying recordings of anything! It is the most moving and the most beautiful Rachmaninoff 3rd I've ever heard.

Every Rachmaninov lover must own this disc.......1999-05-03

This collection contains two of the greatest Rachmaninov recordings ever made: Cliburn's versions of the Third Concerto and the Second Sonata. Both readings have similar qualities. Cliburn takes a broader, deeper, more Russian view than virtually any other pianist. In doing so he makes musical sense where so many other virtuosos merely make a lot of noise. I would go so far as to say that only Rachmaninov himself comes close to Cliburn in the Concerto, while he is on his own in the (almost) original version of the Sonata.

Tracks:

Pno Son in C, K.545: I. Allegro - Marta Deyanova
Pno Son in C, K.545: II. Andante - Marta Deyanova
Pno Son in C, K.545: III. Rondo: Allegretto - Marta Deyanova
Pno Son in A, K.331/300j: I. Andante Grazioso - Marta Deyanova
Pno Son in A, K.331/300j: II. Menuetto & Trio - Marta Deyanova
Pno Son in A, K.331/300j: III. Alla Turca: Allegretto - Marta Deyanova
Pno Son in F, K.332/300k: I. Allegro - Marta Deyanova
Pno Son in F, K.332/300k: II. Adagio - Marta Deyanova
Pno Son in F, K.332/300k: III. Allegro Assai - Marta Deyanova
Fant in c, K.475: Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Marta Deyanova

Tracks:

Son No.8 in C, Op.13 'Pathetique': Grave - Allegro Di Molto Con Brio - Bernard Roberts
Son No.8 in C, Op.13 'Pathetique': Adagio Cantabile - Bernard Roberts
Son No.8 in C, Op.13 'Pathetique': Rondo - Allegro - Bernard Roberts
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio Sostenuto - Bernard Roberts
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Allegretto - Bernard Roberts
Son No.14 in c#, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Presto Agitato - Bernard Roberts
Son No.21 in C, Op.53 'Waldstein': Allegro Con Brio - Bernard Roberts
Son No.21 in C, Op.53 'Waldstein': Intro: Adagio Molto - Rondo: Allegretto Moderato - Bernard Roberts
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Lebewohl: Adagio - Bernard Roberts
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Abwesenheit: Andante Espressivo - Bernard Roberts
Son No.26 in E flat, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Widersehen: Vivacissimamente - Bernard Roberts

Tracks:

Impromptus, Op.142 D.935: No.1 in f: Allegro Moderato - Marta Deyanova
Impromptus, Op.142 D.935: No.2 in A flat: Allegretto - Marta Deyanova
Impromptus, Op.142 D.935: No.3 in B flat: Andante (Theme And Vars) - Marta Deyanova
Impromptus, Op.142 D.935: No.4 in f: Allegro Scherzando - Marta Deyanova
Six Moments Musicaux, Op.94 D.780: No.1 in C: Moderato - Marta Deyanova
Six Moments Musicaux, Op.94 D.780: No.2 in a flat: Andantino - Marta Deyanova
Six Moments Musicaux, Op.94 D.780: No.3 in f: Allegretto Moderato - Marta Deyanova
Six Moments Musicaux, Op.94 D.780: No.4 in c#: Moderato - Marta Deyanova
Six Moments Musicaux, Op.94 D.780: No.5 in f: Allegro Vivace - Marta Deyanova
Six Moments Musicaux, Op.94 D.780: No.6 in A flat: Allegretto - Marta Deyanova
Impromptu, Op.90 D.899: No.3 in G flat: Andante - Marta Deyanova

Tracks:

Caprice in a, Op.33 No.1 - Martin Jones
Andante And Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14 - Martin Jones
Prld and Fugue in e, Op.35 No.1: Allegro Con Fuoco - Martin Jones
Prld and Fugue in e, Op.35 No.1: Andante Espressivo - Martin Jones
Study No.2 in F: Allegro Con Moto - Martin Jones
Prld And Fugue in f, Op.35 No.5: Andante Lento - Martin Jones
Prld And Fugue in f, Op.35 No.5: Allegro Con Fuoco - Martin Jones
Fant in e, Op.16 No.2: II. Scherzo-Presto - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book I, Op.19: No.1 in E: Andante Con Moto - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book I, Op.19: No.3 in A: Molto Allegro E Vivace (Hunting Song) - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book I, Op.19: No.6 in g: Andante Sostenuto (Venetian Gondola Song) - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book II, Op.30: No.4 in b: Agitato E Con Fuoco - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book IV, Op.53: No.4 in F: Adagio - Martin Jones
Vars Serieuses in d, Op.54 - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book V, Op.62: No.5 in a: Andante Con Moto - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book V, Op.62: No.6 in A: Allegretto Grazioso (Spring Song) - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book VI, Op.67: No.4 in C: Presto (Spinning Song) - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book VII, Op.85: No.1 in F: Andante Espressivo - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book VIII, Op.102: No.3 in C: Presto - Martin Jones
Songs Without Words: Book VIII, Op.102: No.4 in g: Un Poco Agitato, Ma Andante - Martin Jones
Seven Characteristic Pieces, Op.7: No.7 in E: Presto - Martin Jones
Klavierstucke: No.2 in g - Martin Jones

Tracks:

Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Theme - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude I - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude II - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude III - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude IV - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude V - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude VI - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude VII - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude VIII - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude IX - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude X - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude XI - Shura Cherkassky
Etudes Symphoniques, Op.13: Etude XII - Shura Cherkassky
Carnaval, Op.9: Preamble (Quasi Maestoso) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Pierrot (Moderato) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Arlequin (Vivo) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Valse Noble (Un Poco Maestoso) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Eusebius (Adagio) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Florestan (Passionato) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Coquette (Vivo) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Replique (L'istesso Tempo) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Papillons (Prestissimo) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: A.S.C.H.-S.C.H.A. Lettres Dansantes (Presto) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Chiarina (Passionato) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Chopin (Agitato) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Estrella (Con Affetto) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Reconnaissance (Animato) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Pantalon Et Colombine (Presto) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Valse Allemande (Molto Vivace)/Paganini: Intermezzo (Presto) - Tempo I - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Aveu (Passionato) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Promenade (Comodo) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: Pause (Vivo) - Marta Deyanova
Carnaval, Op.9: March Des Davidbundler Contre Les Philistins (Non Allegro) - Marta Deyanova
Toccata in C, Op.7: Allegro - Mark Anderson

Tracks:

Vars On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.35: Book I - Martin Jones
Vars On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.35: Book II - Martin Jones
Hungarian Dances: No.1 Allegro - Martin Jones
Hungarian Dances: No.3 Allegretto - Martin Jones
Hungarian Dances: No.5 Allegro - Martin Jones
Hungarian Dances: No.10 Presto - Martin Jones
Gavotte - Martin Jones
Rhap in B, Op.79 No.1 - Martin Jones
Ballade in D, Op.79 No.1 - Martin Jones
Intermezzo in E flat, Op.117 No.1 - Martin Jones
Romanze in F, Op.118 No.5 - Martin Jones
Intermezzo in e flat, Op.118 No.6 - Martin Jones
Intermezzo in b, Op.119 No.1 - Martin Jones
Rhap in E flat, Op.119 No.4 - Martin Jones

Tracks:

Scherzo No.3 in c#, Op.39 - Vlado Perlemuter
Berceuse in D flat, Op.57 - Vlado Perlemuter
Ballade No.2 in F, Op.38 - Vlado Perlemuter
Etude in E, Op.10, No.3 'Tristesse' - Vlado Perlemuter
Etude in G flat, Op.10, No.5 'Black Key' - Vlado Perlemuter
Etude in c, Op.10, No.12 'Revolutionary' - Vlado Perlemuter
Etude in G flat, Op.25, No.9 'Butterfly' - Vlado Perlemuter
Etude in a, Op.25, No.11 'Winter Wind' - Vlado Perlemuter
Nocturne in c, Op.48 No.1 - Vlado Perlemuter
Nocturne in D flat, Op.27 No.2 - Vlado Perlemuter
Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: Marche Funebre - Vlado Perlemuter
Prld in D flat, Op.29 No.15 'Raindrop' - Vlado Perlemuter
Prld in c, Op.28 No.20 - Vlado Perlemuter
Prld in A, Op.28 No.7 - Vlado Perlemuter
Prld in c#, Op.45 - Vlado Perlemuter
Barcarolle in F#, Op.60 - Vlado Perlemuter

Tracks:

Rhap Espagnole (Folies D'Espagne Et Jota Aragonesa) - Mark Anderson
Zwei Konzertetuden: Walderauschen - Mark Anderson
Zwei Konzertetuden: Gnomenreigen - Mark Anderson
Annees De Pelerinage - Troisieme Annee: Les Jeux D'eau A La Villa D'Este - Mark Anderson
Legendes: St. Francois D'Assise 'La Predication Aus Oiseau' - Mark Anderson
Legendes: St. Francois De Paule Marchant Sur Les Flots - Mark Anderson
3. Mephisto - Waltzer - Mark Anderson
Vier Kleine Klavierstucke: I. Sehr Langsam (Adagio) - Mark Anderson
Vier Kleine Klavierstucke: II. Moderato - Mark Anderson
Vier Kleine Klavierstucke: III. Sehr Langsam (Adagio) - Mark Anderson
Vier Kleine Klavierstucke: IV. Andantino - Mark Anderson
Annees De Pelerinage - Deuxieme Annee: Sonetto 104 Del Petrarca - Mark Anderson

Customer Reviews:

Big Music-Little Money.......2001-05-28

Most amount of songs for the least amount of money...its great...i still haven't listened to all of them because there is so much music on these cd's...its great...get this!! its a must have for the collector of classical music...

Average customer rating:

No. One
A bad service for Chopin
"He is not only a great virtuoso but a great musician"

Chopin: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Op.9, No.3 In B Major
Op.15, No.1 In F Major
Op.15, No.2 In F Sharp Major
Op.15, No. 3 In G Minor
Op.27, No.1 In C Sharp Minor
Op.27, No.2 In D Flat Major
Op.48, No.1 In C Minor
Op.48, No.2 In F Sharp Minor
Op.62, No.1 In E Major
Bonus Track - Vlado Perlemuter

Tracks:

Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35: Doppio movimento
Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35: Scherzo
Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35: Marche funebre - lento
Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35: Finale - presto
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Allegra maestoso
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Scherzo - molto vivace
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Largo
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Finale - presto non tanto
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: Barcarolle, Op. 60

Tracks:

24 Preludes Op. 28: C Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: A Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: G Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: F Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: D Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: B Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: A Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: F Sharp Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: F Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: C Sharp Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: B Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: G Sharp Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: F Sharp Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: F Flat Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: D Flat Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: B Flat Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: A Flat Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: F Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: F Flat Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: C Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: B Flat Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: G Minor
24 Preludes Op. 28: F Major
24 Preludes Op. 28: D Minor
Prelude In C Sharp Minor Op. 45
Fantasy In F Minor Op. 49
Berceuse Op. 57

Tracks:

Etudes, Op. 10: No. 1 In C (Allegro)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 2 In A Minor (Allegro)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 3 In F (Lento, ma non troppo)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 4 In C Sharp Minor (Presto)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 5 In G Flat (Vivace)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 6 In F Flat Minor (Andante)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 7 In C (Vivace)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 8 In F (Allegro)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 9 In F Minor (Allegro molto agitato)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 10 In A Flat (Vivace assat)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 11 In E Flat (Allegretto)
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 12 In C Minor (Allegro con fuoco)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 1 In A Flat (Allegro sostenuto)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 2 In F Minor (Presto)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 3 In F (Allegro)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 4 In A Minor (Agitato)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 5 In F Minor (Vivace)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 6 In G Sharp Minor (Allegro)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 7 In C Sharp Minor (Lento)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 8 In D Flat (Vivace legato)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 9 In G Flat (Allegro vivace)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 10 In B Minor (Allegro con fuoco)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 11 In A Minor (Lento)
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 12 In C Minor (Allegro molto, con fuoco)
Trois nouvelles etudes: No. 1 In F Minor (Andantino)
Trois nouvelles etudes: No. 2 In D Flat (Allegretto)
Trois nouvelles etudes: No. 3 In A Flat (Allegretto)

Tracks:

Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23
Ballade No. 2 In F Major, Op.38
Ballade No. 3 In A Flat Major, Op. 47
Ballade No. 4 In F Minor, Op. 52
Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op. 44
Polonaise - Fantaisie In A Flat Major, Op. 61
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK
BONUS TRACK

Tracks:

Scherzo No. 3 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 39
Mazurka In A Minor, Op. 59, No. 1
Mazurka In A Flat, Op. 59, No. 2
Mazurka In F Sharp Minor, Op. 59, No. 3
Mazurka In B, Op. 63, No. 1
Mazurka In F minor, Op. 63, No. 2
Mazurka In C Sharp Minor, Op. 63, No. 3
Mazurka In C, Op. 24, No. 2
Mazurka In B Minor, Op. 33, No. 4
Mazurka In E minor, Op. 41 No. 1
Mazurka In C Sharp Minor, Op. 41, No. 4
Mazurka In C, Op. 56, No. 2
Mazurka In C Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurka In F Minor, Op. 68, No. 4
Mazurka In A Minor, Op. 17, No. 4
Mazurka In C Sharp Minor, Op. 30, No. 4
Mazurka In C Sharp Minor, Op. 50, No. 3
Tarantelle In A Flat, Op. 43

Customer Reviews:

No. One.......2006-02-10

I completely support the first reviewer of this CD set. Vlado Perlemuter was a "musician's musician" who played Chopin without any mannerisms and romantic allure. The results are emotionally intense and evocative recordings without the gloss...just Chopin.

A bad service for Chopin.......2005-10-24

Perlemuter is a serious musician, but the point of view that he uses for Chopin,s music (the same that he uses for Ravel) is completely out of style. The tone is not varied and the articulation of the phrases is difficult to be understood. Why he decided to record Chopin,s music?

"He is not only a great virtuoso but a great musician".......2004-06-22

said Alfred Cortot.
Vlado Perlemuter possessed an equisite tonal pallette allied with a lucid and insightful musical mind. These qualities, which so many pianists lack, are evident in Perlemuter's playing from the opening phrase. Technique is no issue in great music, rather the flow of the music, inexorably towards strangely predictable yet uniquely spontaneous results is the fruit of the artistic search.
Perlemuter's extraordinary ability to render the simplicity of expression, or directness/clarity of expression in Chopin's music, is special.
I can't beleive this incomparable artist is not better known!

Tracks:

Chopin And The Soul Of The Piano - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Berceuse, Op.57 - Idil Biret
Chopin The Pole - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Polonaise in g - Idil Biret
Early Education - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Vars On A German Air - Idil Biret
Encounters With The Polish Peasantry - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Mazurka in G - Idil Biret
Chopin As Industrious Pupil - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Son in c (Opening) - Idil Biret
He Finds His True Voice As A Composer - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Rondo A La Mazur, Op.5 - Idil Biret
The Fun-Loving Teenager - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Ecossaise, Op.72 No.3 - Idil Biret
Onset Of Illness And The Death Of A Sister - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Nocturne in e - Idil Biret
Hats Off, Gentlemen! A Genius! - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Vars On 'La Ci Darem La Mano', Op.2 - Idil Biret
The Influence Of Paganini - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Souvenir De Paganini - Idil Biret
The First Etudes - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Etude in c#, Op.10, No.4 - Idil Biret
Success In Vienna - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Nocturne in c# - Idil Biret
Chopin In Love - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Polonaise - Idil Biret
Stagnation, Celebrity And The First Con - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Con in f, Op.21 - Idil Biret
Return Of Vitality And Inspiration - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Con in e, Op.11 - Idil Biret
Farewells And The Final Departure From Poland - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser

Tracks:

Europe And Chopin In Crisis - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Scherzo No.1 in b - Idil Biret
Arrival In Paris - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Waltz in E flat, Op.18 - Idil Biret
Paris, Politics, Poles And Performance - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Impromptu in A flat, Op.29 - Idil Biret
Chopin And The Opr - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Andante Spianato, Op.22 - Idil Biret
Chopin And Kalkbrenner - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Etude in G flat, Op.10, No.5 - Idil Biret
The Cholera Epidemi; The Fashionable Teacher - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Etude in C minor, Op.10, No.12, The 'Revolutionary' - Idil Biret
Teaching In Earnest - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Etude in a, Op.25, No.4 - Idil Biret
Souplesse Avant Tout! - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Nocturne in b flat, Op.9, No.1 - Idil Biret

Tracks:

The Woodzinska Affair - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Nocturne in B, Op.32, No.1 - Idil Biret
An Elegant, Pale, Sad Young Man - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Nocturne in D flat, Op.27, No.2 - Idil Biret
George Sand And A Majorcan Winter - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Prlds, Op.28 - Idil Biret
Misanthropy, Hypocrisy And Prejudice - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Mazurkas - Idil Biret
At Nohant: An Idyllic And Creative Summer - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Impromptu in F# - Idil Biret
The Idyll Continues - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Sonata in b flat: Funeral March And Finale - Idil Biret

Tracks:

The Return To Paris - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Ballade No.4 in f - Idil Biret
Chopin Grows Moody, Petulant And Volatile - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: Finale - Idil Biret
Failing Health And Mounting Tensions - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Barcarolle, Op.60 - Idil Biret
The Break With Sand; Illness; London - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Prld in F#, Op.28, No.8 - Idil Biret
Scotland, London, Paris; Decline And Death - Jeremy Siepmann/Anton Lesser
Polonaise in A flat, Op.53 - Idil Biret

Customer Reviews:

An excellent introduction to both the life and the work.......2001-08-10

Not having known very much at all about Chopin, I cannot vouch for the accuracy in the Naxos entry in their CD and cassette Biography series; but I can vouch for the enjoyment (NA 421912) afforded me.

Written and produced by Jeremy Siepmann, this audio-bio not only tells the strange story of Chopin's life but also includes generous examples of his music, drawn from the bottomless pit of Naxos musical CDs. An excellent idea was to use actors for the voices of Chopin (Anton Lesser), George Sand and other females in his life (Elaine Claxton and Karen Archer), and other male acquaintances (Neville Jason). It is the kind of reading that would fascinate even if the work were fictional.

His letters are particularly fascinating, especially as they are read dramatically by the small cast; and one would rather hear about all his faults--physical and psychological--from people who knew him well. Perhaps his strange epistolary relationship with his Titus is dwelt upon a bit too much, but such are the times (then and now).

My only criticism in a negative direction is the length of the musical examples. I do not really think the entire "Revolutionary Etude" had to be played or the entire "Funeral March"; a minute or two with a fadeout would have been fine, especially on repeated hearings where one wants the facts. Nevertheless, highly recommended.

Music Review:

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Half Way Down

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Virtuoso Concertos for Corno da cassia

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Young Fresh & New (Enhanced) [CD-single] [Import]

Westering Home

Ye Old Tavern

Whole New You

Wow! Disney Mix Mania [Import]

William Schuman: Symphonies Nos. 4 and 9; Orchestra Song; Circus Overture

Welcome Back [Import]

Tito Fernandez Con Orquesta [Import]

Vieja Trova Santiaguera

Mozart: Credo-Messe

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