Composer: Frédéric François Chopin
Performer: Maurizio Pollini
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Catalogue: 94796127
Release: 2017
Size: 170 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
01. Barcarolle in F sharp major, Op. 60
Mazurkas, Op. 59
02. No. 1 in A Minor. Moderato
03. No. 2 in A-Flat Major. Allegretto
04. No. 3 in F-Sharp Minor. Vivace
05. Polonaise No. 7 in A flat major, Op. 61 ‘Polonaise-fantaisie’
2 Nocturnes, Op. 62
06. No. 1 in B Major. Andante
07. No. 2 in E Major. Lento
3 Mazurkas, Op. 63
08. No. 1 in B Major. Vivace
09. No. 2 In F Minor. Lento
10. No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor. Allegretto
Waltzes, Op. 64
11. No. 1 in D-Flat Major. Molto vivace
12. No. 2 in C-Sharp Minor. Tempo giusto
13. No. 3 in A-Flat Major. Moderato
Mazurka No. 49 in F minor, Op. 68 No. 4
14. No. 4 Andantino
After winning the International Chopin Competition over half a century ago, Maurizio Pollini adds an important new chapter to his ongoing interpretation with some of the composer’s most famous late works. On this album, the “grand master” (BBC music magazine) interprets some of Chopin’s largescale masterpieces, including six Mazurkas and three Waltzes that he has never recorded before. “I’m in love with Chopin – his music never ceases to amaze me.” – Maurizio Pollini
Esteemed for almost 60 years as one of the greatest Chopin interpreters, Maurizio Pollini confirms his preeminence with this 2017 release on Deutsche Grammophon, and offers his first all-Chopin disc since 2012. Chopin’s late works were composed between 1845 and 1849, and include the Barcarolle in F sharp major, Op. 60, the 3 Mazurkas, Op. 59, the Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat major, Op. 61, the 2 Nocturnes, Op. 62, the 3 Mazurkas, Op. 63, the 3 Waltzes, Op. 64, and the Mazurka in F minor, Op. Posth. 68, No. 4; they are notable for their harmonic richness and freedom of melodic embellishment, characteristics that made them especially influential among his Romantic contemporaries. Pollini’s fluid phrasing and control of expression and dynamics have always given his performances sophistication and a feeling of balance, though these are engaging renditions that are far from cerebral or clinical, claims that critics have sometimes laid at Pollini’s door. Yet listeners can hear for themselves how polished and deeply felt these performances are, and appreciate the artistic wholeness of Pollini’s conceptions, from the elegance of the “Minute” Waltz to the sublime melancholy of the posthumous Mazurka in F minor. Highly recommended for fans of great piano music.