Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2

Track Listings

1. Maestoso

2. Larghetto

3. Allegro Vivace

4. Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op.44

Tracks:

Sheep May Safely Graze - Sir Neville Marriner
Serenade In G 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Sir Neville Marriner
Violin Concerto No.1 In G Minor, Op.26 - II. Adagio - Yedudi Menuhin
Nocturne No.2 In E Flat Op.9 No.2 - John Ogdon
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Schindler's List - Tasmin Little
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
Dance Of The Sylphs - Sir Neville Marriner
Water Music - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No.9: II. Largo - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Jean De Florette - Toots Thielemans
Concerto For Lute And Two Violins - II. Largo - Anthony Bailes
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op.85 - III. Adagio - Jacqueline De Pre
Waltz No.15 In A Flat - Dame Moura Lympany
Romance - Piers Lane
Pavane - Maurice Handford
Woodbrook - Micheal O Suilleabhain
Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra

Tracks:

The Four Seasons - Concerto No.1 In E 'Spring' - Yehundi Menuhin
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Double Violin Concerto In D Minor - II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin
Prelude No.7 In A Op.28 No.7 - Tzimon Barto
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
The Lark Ascending - Hugh Bean
'Pathetique Sonata Op.13 - II. Adagio Cantabile - Leonard Pennario
Pie Jesu - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Salut D'Amour - Richard Hickox
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin (The Girl With Flaxen Hair) - Dame Moura Lympany
The Coventry Carol - Medeval Babes
Pavane For A Dead Princess - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Liebestraum No.3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Op.102 - II. Andante - Dmitri Alexeev
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor - IV. Adagietto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II.......2006-08-28

Good selection of music, poorly performed and badly arranged. Good album for a tag sale. Same comment applies for Volume I.

Great music listein to while you read in bed.......2005-08-21

I have listened to this CD for the last several years before going to sleep at night. I love classical music, and this is great music to help make my soul feel at peace and unwind after a taxing day.

A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan........2004-10-22

I bought Vol. 1 of this series and was quite satisfied, but I have to say I'm more than satisfied with this one. If you can just mellow out and enjoy some great pieces, you'll love this CD. #15 on Disc 2 is almost worth the price alone!

A bliss of spirit........2004-09-18

That's disc will open You a wonderful, beautiful world of sounds, their harmony & emotion : you'll feel your heart full of
Joy, Tears, Love.
Good LUCK!

Boring.......2004-05-11

Yes this CD will put you to sleep in minutes. Its the most boring uninspiring classical music. The first CD was very good but this Vol. 2 is like most movie sequels....AWFUL !

Chopin: Piano Concertos nos. 1 & 2 / Dutoit, Argerich

Average customer rating:

Disappointment
Great Performances
Argerich's Finest Recording of Chopin's Piano Concertos
Too much for me. :)
Fire and ice

Chopin: Piano Concertos nos. 1 & 2 / Dutoit, Argerich
Frédéric Chopin , Charles Dutoit , Martha Argerich , and Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording
Chopin, Liszt: Piano Concertos / Martha Argerich, London Symphony Orchestra
Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 / Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23
Chopin: 26 Préludes, etc / Martha Argerich
Maria João Pires - Chopin · The Nocturnes

ASIN: B00000IWVP
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 In E Minor, Op.11: I: Allegro Maestoso
Piano Concerto No.1 In E Minor, Op.11: II: Romanze. Larghetto
Piano Concerto No.1 In E Minor, Op.11: III: Rondo. Vivace
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Minor, Op.21: I: Maestoso
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Minor, Op.21: II: Larghetto
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Minor, Op.21: III: Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

Martha Argerich is one of our supreme pianists, and this disc shows her almost at her best. Every phrase is beautifully considered and executed, but there is still plenty of spontaneity in her playing. Alas for the flowers of youth. A couple of decades ago, Argerich played this music (on two separate Deutsche Grammophon recordings) with even more fervor and spontaneity, and the accompaniments were more incisive and more clearly recorded than these. As Chopin wrote these concertos so early in his career, one can't help thinking that Argerich's earlier performances are more appropriate to the music. Still, with playing of this caliber, one can't merely set it aside. As a mature reconsideration of these concertos, this disc is well worth hearing--after you already know the earlier versions. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Disappointment.......2004-08-13

I usually like both Argerich and Dutoit, but EMI has not done either of them justice, and to me, Argerich sounds less involved than in other recordings. The real drawback, though, is the sound. Decca provided Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony with clear, open sound that made their recordings enjoyable. To me, EMI's sound here is indistinct, bordering on muddy at times. Orchestral detail is lost, and on a couple of occasions the piano just disappears behind the orchestra. I bought this recording expecting something special, but was quite disappointed.

Great Performances.......2002-09-05

The two piano concerti by Chopin have been staples of the concert hall for many years. However, this is only the second recordings of these concerti by Martha Argerich. Ms. Argerich summons up all of the poetry and pathos that has made Chopin's concertos so popular over the years. She is ably supported by Charles Dutoit and the Orchestre symphonique de Montreal, who fulfil their role as accompaniment well and even manage a bit of acceleration in the Second concerto (first movement) almost as if to catch Ms. Argerich by surprise. Having had the pleasure of hearing Ms. Argerich play the Beethoven Second concerto in person, I know she can drive the concerto along. So here the orchestra gets a turn. When this disc was reviewed by Gramophone the comment was made that it seemed less a studio recording than a relaxed concert performance. I would agree. The concertos come of as the luxuriously tuneful works that they are with brilliant keyboard work by Martha Argerich. This recording is among the best of Chopin's concertos and I highly recommend it.

Argerich's Finest Recording of Chopin's Piano Concertos.......2001-11-27

Martha Argerich's performances of both concerti are spellbinding, incredible displays of passion. Her technical skills at the keyboard are absolutely phenomenal too. Indeed, I doubt I have heard her play these Chopin concertos as skillfully as she does here. However, Dutoit comes across as a somewhat reluctant accompanist, in awe with her performances. He doesn't quite lead the Montrealers in brilliant performances of the orchestral scores. Still, this deserves my strong recommendation as one of the finest recordings of Chopin's piano concertos, if only because of Argerich's superb performances.

Too much for me. :).......2000-12-01

Lithe, sparkling, transparent, impressionistic--this recording is an outpouring of incredible delicious sound and it all reaches me so sublimely. It is the one piece of music I feel insecure writing about because I am so completely drawn into the moment, into the flow of the music. The orchestra and the piano are interwoven like the early sunset glow caressing a meadow's grasses. The slow movement of in the E minor is like a lullaby sung tenderly and quietly and with loving intimacy. In total both concerti seem to be played in an understated way, not with bravado, but with irresistible momentum. Dutoit and Argerich flow.

Fire and ice.......1999-12-08

Argerich plays with all her customary passion and flying fingers. But what I dislike about this recording is the fact that Dutoit's realization of the orchestral parts is rather dull. If you want to hear the true glory of these works, get the Perahia/Mehta CD (Sony). Perahia is every bit Argerich's equal while being more tasteful (IMHO), and Mehta's conducting is both powerful and vivid.

Frederic Chopin: Complete Works For Piano And Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Amazing
Piano + more
Beautifully balanced
Arrau, Chopin de lo mejor
A bargain at Twice the Price!!

Frederic Chopin: Complete Works For Piano And Orchestra

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus
Chopin, Liszt: Piano Concertos / Martha Argerich, London Symphony Orchestra
Chopin: The Piano Works
Chopin: Waltzes Nos. 1-14
Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording

ASIN: B00000416B
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

1. Allegro maestoso
2. Romance (Larghetto)
3. Rondo (Vivace)
Variations In B Flat, Op. 2
Impromptus: No. 1 In A Flat, Op. 29
Impromptus: No. 2 In F Sharp, Op. 36
Impromptus: No. 3 In G Flat, Op. 51

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Allegro Vivace
Krakowiak Concert Rondo In F. Op. 14: Introduction - Rondeau
Andante spianato And Grand Polonaise brillante In E Flat, Op. 22: Es-dur - en mi bemol majeur
Fantasy On Polish Airs In A, Op. 13: Gorsse Fantasie uber polinsche Lieder in A-dur Fantasie sur des airs polonais en la majeur

Amazon.com

Claudio Arrau's meditative and weighty traversals of the concertos pale compared to the dynamism and note-to-note intensity of his live fifties versions. Eliahu Inbal's deferential, soggy leadership doesn't help either. Both musicians, though, rise to the rarely played Krakowiak's formidable challenges. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2007-02-24

If you haven't had the chance to hear Arrau's performances of Chopin's works, buy this disc. You will truly be hooked. Unlike many people who believe that Ashkenzy or Rubenstein are the ultimate Chopin interpreters, I must say that Arrau rivals and tops them. His flexible and slower style of playing matches the romanticism of Chopin's works. Coupled with a great conductor and orchestra, this brings out a top-notch performance.

These discs are well worth the small investment.

Piano + more.......2006-12-10

This CD gave me an appreciation of his music with an orchestra because I am much more used to performers who play Chopin's piano music with no musical backup. This worthwhile CD is as pretty as the design on its cover.

Beautifully balanced.......2006-11-03

Upon listening to Arrau playing the Chopin concerti, the first thing that jumps to attention is his tone: it metamorphises between lively and bright to aching, naked beauty, most notably in the Op.11 1st Concerto. I keep listening the first movement over and over to recapture that reflective, dark tone of his at the culmination of the theme's development. Somehow, his tone reminds me of drops of dew in a moonlit night. However, considering that Arrau was already 69 years old when he made this recording, you may think that reflective and spiritual is all he has, but surprisingly he managed to put in energy and zest where it's required in the fast movements. I've seen a video of Yundi Li, the Chinese prodigy who won the 2000 Chopin Piano Competition, and Arrau doesn't lose out in the comparison in terms of energy.

Overall, Arrau's interpretation concentrates on exploring the intimate, passionate side of these pieces, which were written in Chopin's youth, and in this respect he brings the same mastery which endowed his interpretations of the Nocturnes. However, this is certainly not at the expense of the zesty side of these pieces.

The core of recording is Chopin's 2 piano concerti, and the rest of it is composed of his other works for piano and orchestra, which are in fact more commonly played as piano solos. The most famous of these is the Andante Spianiato and Grand Polonaise, and it's very obvious that the orchestra is almost superfluous in these pieces. Speaking of the orchestra, the London Philharmonic conducted by Eliahu Inbal is understated but unerringly faithful in backing the pianistic centrepiece provided by Arrau.

Overall, a recording to be highly recommended, even more so considering the low price of this release.

Arrau, Chopin de lo mejor.......2004-10-26

Claudio Arrau es en muchos aspectos un pianista de excepción especialmente en estudiar y determinar la forma en que interpretara cada pieza, para Chopin estas grabaciones son excepcionales, el toque de Arrau es prodigio y el acompañamiento soberbio. Tenemos en este CD los dos conciertos para piano y orquesta que no merecen mas detalle que son dos grandes obras de la música clásica, sumemos variaciones "la ci darem la mano" sobre la obra de Mozart, el concierto rondo Krakovian, la Fantasía sobre aires polacos y el andante spianato y gran polonesa brillante y tenemos un conjunto de obras de excepción, obras de gran belleza, virtuosismo y elegancia propias de Chopin. Un CD soberbio, impresionante, bello. Cerramos el conjunto con tres impromptus que hacen descollar el trabajo del gran pianista chillanejo.
Disfrutelo, un conjunto de obras de la mayor calidad en un CD de precio economico.

A bargain at Twice the Price!!.......1998-11-07

This is a GREAT album; and 2 CD's yet, both filled (over 150 minutes total) with glorious piano music. A reissue of 1972 recordings, nothing is missing as Arrau and company create emminenetly listenable renditions of these Chopin masterpieces. No lover of romantic piano music should be without them. (Reviewer's note: this sounds like I am the promoter but I am simply a well-satisfied customer.)

Average customer rating:

Relaxing CD

James Galway - Serenade
Franz Schubert , Claude Debussy , Johann Sebastian Bach , Domenico Cimarosa , Frédéric Chopin , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Franz Liszt , Aram Khachaturian , Jules Massenet , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Tamezo Narita , Sergey Rachmaninov , Gabriel Faure , Riccardo Drigo , James Galway , Myung-Whun Chung , Charles Dutoit , Charles Gerhardt , Hiroyuki Iwaki , David Measham , Marisa Robles , Chamber Orchestra Europe , Phillip Moll , Ayako Shinozaki , and Kazuhito Yamashita
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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James Galway ~ Meditations
James Galway - Greatest Hits
James Galway - Dances for Flute
The Wind Beneath My Wings
The Legendary James Galway: Man With the Golden Flute

ASIN: B000003EUV
Release Date: 1989-06-28

Tracks:

Serenade / Standchen, D. 957
Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 in E - Flat
Reverie
Serenade: Largo
Suite No. 3: Air
La Fille aux cheveux de lin
Concerto for Flute and Harp, K. 299
Consolation No. 3
Adagio Of Spartacus & Phrygia
Meditation
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5: Aria
Song Of The Seashore
Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
Fantaisie
Serenade
La plus que lente

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing CD.......2000-06-12

If you enjoy James Galway, you should get this CD. It is wonderful easy listening music for when you are doing something else like reading. It is not as exciting as some of his other CDs but just as good. All the songs are beautiful and will be greatly appreciated.

Average customer rating:

Frederic Chopin Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Greatest Hits
Bach: Greatest Hits
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ASIN: B000003F5E
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

'Minute' Waltz
Etude, Op. 10, No. 3
'Raindrop' Prelude
'Funeral March' Sonata - Marche funebre
Etude, Op. 10, No. 8
Nocturne, Op. 27, No. 2
'Heroic' Polonaise
Ballade No. 1
'Grande valse brillante,' Op. 18
Impromptu No. 1
'Revolutionary' Etude
Concerto No. 2 - Allegro vivace

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

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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:

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!

Tear Jerkers: Classical Music to move the Mind, Body and Soul

Average customer rating:

Tear Jerkers: Classical Music to move the Mind, Body and Soul

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000005E3Q
Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

The Last Sleep Of The Virgin
Thais: Meditation
Ave Maria
Prelude Sinfonico
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Sonata Op. 65. Largo
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra Op. 35 In D Major: Andante
Adagio
Serenade
Romeo And Juliet
Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3 In G Flat Major
Vocalise Op. 34
Liebestraum

Amazon.com

I don't understand why Jules Massenet's "Meditation" from Thais is on Teldec's Tearjerker album and not on it's Meditation disc. Or why Maria-Joao Pires's performance of Schubert's Impromptu, Op. 90, No. 3 in G-flat major, is a tearjerker and not a Stressbuster (as another disc in this series is dubbed). Of course, such reasoning is too sophisticated for this context. The decent performances here feature music by Chopin, Puccini, Donizetti, Tchaikovsky, and others. What jerks my tears is the fact that a package like this is apparently needed to draw listeners to classical music. --Gwendolyn Freed

Maria Joao Pires ~ Chopin - Concerto for Piano & Orchestra No. 2 (Op. 21), 24 Preludes (Op. 28)

Average customer rating:

As If Chopin Were Playing Himself
A vague sense of unease.
Fire and Ice

Maria Joao Pires ~ Chopin - Concerto for Piano & Orchestra No. 2 (Op. 21), 24 Preludes (Op. 28)
Frédéric Chopin , André Previn , Maria João Pires , and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Maria João Pires ~ Chopin - Piano Concerto No, 1 · Fantasie op. 49 · Fantasie-Impromptu op. 66 · Berceuse op. 57 / COE · Krivine
Maria João Pires - Chopin · The Nocturnes
Schubert: Sonata; 6 Moments Musicaux; 2 Scherzi
Chopin: 14 Valses
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B000001GJ3
Release Date: 1995-01-17

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Maestoso
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Larghetto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Allegro vivace
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 1 In C Major, Agitato
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 2 In A Minor, Lento
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 3 In G Major, Vivace
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 4 In E Minor, Largo
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 5 In D Major, Allegro molto
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 6 In B Minor, Lento assai
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 7 In A Major, Andantino
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 8 In F Sharp Minor, Molto agitato
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 9 In E Major, Largo
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor, Allegro molto
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 11 In B Major, Vivace
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 12 In G Sharp Minor, Presto
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major, Lento
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor, Allegro
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major, Sostenuto
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor, Presto con fuoco
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A Flat Major, Allegretto
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor, Allegro molto
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 19 In E Flat Major, Vivace
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 20 In C Minor, Largo
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 21 In B Flat Major, Cantabile
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 22 In G Minor, Molto agitato
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 23 In F Major, Moderato
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 24 In D Minor, Allegro appassionato

Amazon.com

Chopin's Second Concerto was actually the first that he wrote. Because it was the second in order of publication, the number two has been stuck to it ever since. Actually, most listeners find it the more successful of the two from a purely formal point of view, because he seems more ready to follow his own natural inclinations in the first movement, and less worried about fitting his unusual and attractive melodies into a predetermined structure. In any case, it's slightly the more popular of the two and Pires, who is a fine Chopin pianist, understands and projects the music as if to the manner born. The Op. 28 Preludes make a very satisfying coupling, and are just as well done. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

As If Chopin Were Playing Himself.......2005-11-15

This performance of Pires is absolutely stunning. Her expressionism is romanticism personified in every bar. The second piano concerto, in particular, is worthy alone of such praise for Pires plays as if she were channeling Chopin himself. Not merely is the composer reborn in this performance but one gains a sense of the entire romantic movement itself. Specifically, there is a lilting unease and a daunting sense of the vague as if Pires were approaching the listener with a kiss only to draw away at the most magnificent moment of the soul's awakening. A novice to classical music may not percieve the sublte nuances of romanticism's overtones and undertones. For this reason, the preludes may sound "boring." I have to admit I don't even like them. But the orchestral flavor of the concerto is cosmopolitan enough, and the theme simple enough, that most anyone can appreciate this beautiful recording.

A vague sense of unease........2002-11-02

I'm a bit divided on this recording. I truly loved Pires reading of Chopin's Nocturnes, but this CD left me feeling a little disapointed. Perhaps I was just expecting too much, but I don't think so. I really enjoyed the second concerto, here it is played in the same bold, confident manner married with great sensitivity that was so effective in her recording of the Nocturnes, but I confess to some difficulty with the 24 Preludes. Chopin's great outpouring of his feelings for George Sand and has long been one of my favourite pieces of music and although there is certainly much to admire in this passionate reading, I felt that it lacked the grace and delicacy that others have found in this work. My late piano teacher for example played the Largo, (No.9 in E) in a way that would move you to tears, what a pity she never recorded it! I would be lying if I said that I regreted buying this CD, I've enjoyed it a great deal, however that vague sense of unease with the Preludes remains, spoiling what would otherwise be a great reading.

Fire and Ice.......2002-01-07

Issued in 1994, this recording predates by two years her famous performance of Chopin's Nocturnes, but is equally rewarding. Both Concerto in F minor and 24 Preludes op.28 feature the highest pianistic eloquence and in her interpretation are fabulously sensitive, lyrical, dreamy, and full of passion. This is Chopin with perception of tenderness and drama of human existence. The recording is crystal clear. The CD won the "Grand Prix du Disque Frédéric Chopin" Warsaw Competition in 1995.

Average customer rating:

An excellent introduction to both the life and the work

The Life and Works of Frédéric Chopin

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | 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

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | 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
Similar Items:

The Life and Works of Ludwig van Beethoven
Life & Works of Bach
Life & Works
The Life and Works of Franz Liszt
The Life and Works of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

ASIN: B00005MKG5
Release Date: 2001-07-17

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.

Track Listings:

1. Maestoso
2. Larghetto
3. Allegro Vivace
4. Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op.44