Chopin: Etudes Opp. 10 & 25

On this CD:

1. Etude for piano in C major, Op. 10/1, CT 14
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

2. Etude for piano in A minor, Op. 10/2, CT 15
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

3. Etude for piano in E major, Op. 10/3, CT 16
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

4. Etude for piano in C sharp minor, Op. 10/4, CT 17
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

5. Etude for piano in G flat major, Op. 10/5, CT 18
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

6. Etude for piano in E flat minor, Op. 10/6, CT 19
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

7. Etude for piano in C major, Op. 10/7 CT 20
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

8. Etude for piano in F major, Op. 10/8, CT 21
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

9. Etude for piano in F minor, Op. 10/9, CT 22
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

10. Etude for piano in A flat major, Op. 10/10, CT 23
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

11. Etude for piano in E flat major, Op. 10/11, CT 24
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

12. Etude for piano in C minor ("Revolutionary"), Op. 10/12, CT 25
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

13. Etude for piano in A flat major, Op. 25/1, CT 26
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

14. Etude for piano in F minor, Op. 25/2, CT 27
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

15. Etude for piano in F major, Op. 25/3, CT 28
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

16. Etude for piano in A minor, Op. 25/4, CT 29
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

17. Etude for piano in E minor, Op. 25/5, CT30
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

18. Etude for piano in G sharp minor, Op. 25/6, CT 31
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

19. Etude for piano in C sharp minor, Op. 25/7, CT 32
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

20. Etude for piano in D flat major, Op. 25/8, CT 33
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

21. Etude for piano in G flat major, Op. 25/9, CT 34
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

22. Etude for piano in B minor, Op. 25/10, CT 35
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

23. Etude for piano in A minor, Op, 25/11, CT 36
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

24. Etude for piano in C minor, Op. 25/12, CT 37
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

25. Etude for piano in F minor, KK IIb/3, CT 38 (Trois nouvelles études)
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

26. Etude for piano in A flat major . KK IIb/3, CT 39 (Trois nouvelles études)
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

27. Etude for piano in D flat major KK IIb/3, CT 40 (Trois nouvelles études)
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Yuki Matsuzawa

Tracks:

No.1 In C Major
No.2 In A Minor
No.3 In E Major 'Tristesse'
No.4 In C Sharp Minor
No.5 In G Flat Major
No.6 In E Flat Minor
No.7 In C Major
No.8 In F Major
No.9 In F Minor
No.10 In A Flat Major
No.11 In E Flat Major
No.12 In C Minor
No.1 In A Flat Major
No.2 In F Minor
No.3 In F Major
No.4 In A Minor
No.5 In E Minor
No.6 In G Sharp Minor
No.7 In C Sharp Minor
No.8 In D Flat Major
No.9 In G Flat Major
No.10 In B Minor
No.11 In A Minor
No.12 In C Minor

Customer Reviews:

The technique is just a part of the musical lexicon.......2007-01-15

Andrei Gavrilov possesses a bravura technique and an absolute domain of the musical form, that feature is a virtue but also may work out as failure at the moment to over emphasize, crescendos or prolong tremolos. Let's state once more: Chopin is not Liszt. The mission of any pianist is not produce applauses from the gallery, but to create atmospheres, to play these Etudes is like to be in front of a huge canvas, where you must employ every Etude with its own tonality, either more or less.

Recommended, although my favorite set is by far Samson Francois, still available in Amazon.

OK.......2007-01-07

Another OK DVD. I really bought it to fill out an order and for that purpose is serves well. I had never heard Chopin's Etudes and must say they are not his best work.

Good, but . . . .......2006-05-13

Gavrilov's etudes are well-executed to be sure, yet without much tonal subtlety and a true legato. His typically aggressive approach can be exciting but I usually turn to other albums before this one. Recorded sound lacks warmth.

Too much...?.......2005-07-14

I think there are few pianists who can be accused of playing the Chopin etudes too fast, since it is for most etudes almost impossible to play them faster as the original metronome markings (by Chopin) indicate.
Well, Gavrilov does it! Although the result is at times astonishing, I feel that he tends to overemphasize his technical abilities and sometimes, on careful listening, loses SOME accuracy, not only with regards to "hitting the right keys" but also with regards to dynamic markings and pedaling.
I feel that recording by Pollini and Askenazy (his first Melodya recording) do more justice to these incredible pieces.
Still, this cd is definately worth listening to.

One of my favorites.......2004-10-23

I collected a lot of CD's in the '90's, many based on Penguin Guide recommendations. While many of these have regrettably collected dust on the shelf, after several years the Gavrilov/Chopin CD is still the first Chopin CD I reach for. Gavrilov first piqued my interest after I heard his stunning recording of Balakirev's Islamey on NPR. After that, I had to investigate this Chopin CD and have not been disappointed. I look forward to hearing his Melodiya Rach 3 on CD.

Average customer rating:

Lacking emotional impact
A great interpretation of brilliant piano works
4 Stars for the Collection, Still Seeking Great Performance

Chopin: Études, Opp. 10 & 25

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Chopin: Impromptus/Fantaisie Impromptu/Barcarolle/Berceuse
Songs Without Words
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ASIN: B0002J58V0
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Customer Reviews:

Lacking emotional impact.......2007-06-02

If fleet fingers at supersonic speed are your preference, then try this CD. Personally, as with other of Mr Perahia's interpretations, I find these Etudes lack emotional impact. Try Rubinstein or Biret. Good sound

A great interpretation of brilliant piano works.......2007-05-20

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert on classical music, much less on classical music performances, so my reviews represent a newcomer's take on classical CDs. Take that for what it's worth.

I should begin this review by saying that if you don't already have Chopin's etudes on CD, don't even finish reading this--order a copy of them immediately! Chopin's etudes are brilliant piano works, virtuosic without a trace of excess and exquisitely beautiful. From the quiet loveliness of op. 10 no. 3 to the fury of the "Winter Wind" etude (op. 25 no. 11), the compositions cover the full gamut of emotions.

This performance of the set is excellent. A delicate touch of rubato and a crisp, clear tone throughout the tracks makes this a thoroughly listenable recording. The addition of the impromptus is also a nice addition, though I didn't enjoy any of them as much as the etudes themselves. Overall, this record is a great buy.

4 Stars for the Collection, Still Seeking Great Performance.......2005-03-30

Alas, on the bargain shelf, Mr. Perahia's reputation led me to this CD with high hopes. Alas, where is Artur Rubinstein when you need him? To be sure this is a thorough collection of Chopin's seldom-recorded Etudes, and a decent performance; however, it is not one of Murray Perahia's stellar efforts. While above average, these recordings lack the emotional character one has come to expect from Mr. Perahia (and invariably delivered by Chopin's ultimate arbiter, Rubinstein). Little magic here, more a mere playing of notes. For example, Etude in A minor - a most dramatic piece - lacks essential fire. Closely miked, the piano sounds "large," with bass-heavy emphasis. While not unsatisfactory, this is not the recording I had hoped for and suggest the best Etude readings will come from a collection of individual works... strating with Rubinstein, and filling in the gaps wherever possible (e.g., Richter, Arrau).

Juana Zayas PlaysChopin: Etudes, Opp. 10 & 25

Average customer rating:

Finest modern version?
terrifying.
Not the best....
Auctores scinduntur
Slow down a little, please?

Juana Zayas PlaysChopin: Etudes, Opp. 10 & 25

Manufacturer: Music & Arts Program
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Preludes (24)/Barcarolle/Andante Spianato
Juana Zayas Plays Schumann
Juana Zayas Plays Schubert
Juana Zayas plays Chopin
Juana Zayas in recital

ASIN: B000001OH1
Release Date: 2006-01-01

Tracks:

Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.1 In C Major
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.2 In A Minor
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.3 In E Major
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.4 In C Sharp Minor
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.5 In G Flat Major
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.6 In E Flat Minor
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.7 In C Major
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.8 In F Major
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.9 In F Minor
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.10 In A Flat Major
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.11 E Flat Major
Etudes, Book I ,Op.10: Etude No.12 In C Minor
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.1 In A Flat Major
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.2 In F Minor
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.3 In F Major
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.4 In A Minor
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.5 In E Minor
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.6 In G Sharp Minor
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.7 In C Sharp Minor
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.8 In D Flat Major
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.9 In G Flat Major
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.10 In B Minor
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.11 In A Minor
Etudes, Book II, Op.25: Etude No.12 In C Minor

Customer Reviews:

Finest modern version?.......2007-01-19

Reading the reviews for this disc, I'm a bit surprised and disappointed at some of the nit-picking here. Then again, some of it is downright funny and not wholly undeserved (Pollini being compared to a lawnmower - ouch!). Let me add one thing, though: if you buy this disc, there is a perfect chance you'll not only like it, but won't even have a clue as to why it seems such a controversial item.

I'll admit it: listening to all the Chopin Etudes (or Preludes, for that matter) in one sitting is something I cannot and will not subject myself to for the sake of technical fascination alone. I'm no pianist, couldn't play them, so if they don't speak to me musically, I'd always only want to listen to a couple or so at a time (Pollini, despite or rather because of all the surface perfectionism, being a case in point). Basically, without trying to sound snotty, I'm glad these pieces are selected as encores at recitals these days (at least here in good old Euope) - unless someone like Ivan Moravec (who never even came close to performing all 24 in public) decided to program the complete sets, I seriously doubt I'd enjoy myself very much.

Thus, even though my favourite recording of the Chopin Etudes to listen to in one sitting, because he was able to turn each one of them into what we in German call "singbar" (cantabile - the English equivalent "singable" appears to be applied so rarely, I wonder sometimes if it's at all being used), is this:

Chopin/Cortot: 24 Etudes Op. 10 & Op. 25 (1933/34) - HMV/Philips etc. (numerous releases)

I won't go into detail, the recording being so famous for its musical qualities (and the occasional finger slip). The sound quality of the Philips release, by the way, is so good for its age, I could live with Cortot's as an only version. Apart from this one, I beg you to at least have heard the following (sonic reservations aside, dynamic restriction, shellac surface noise and all, it should probably still be considered THE reference version):

Chopin/Backhaus: 24 Etudes Op. 10 & Op. 25 (1928) - HMV/Pearl

So here is what I find special about Zayas, disregarding the details: hers is the only modern recording of the COMPLETE 24 that I can listen to in one sitting WITH PLEASURE (let me put it this way: if you can do the same with Pollini's justly famous 1971 DG recording, then in all likelihood you're a pianist yourself). People preoccupied with sound quality (after all, I consider myself an audiophile also, only one who couldn't bring himself to listen to lesser interpretation for sound quality's sake) might even want to make this their only selection.

Greetings from Switzerland, David.

terrifying........2006-11-29

this record is terrifying. zayas is all zipping and banging - no content. she epitomizes the mannered pianist, without any creative thought.
take the first etude, opus ten for example. the left hand bangs out cords like some sforzando times ten and her right hand arpeggios have exaggerated dynamics. completely uncalled for. the number four etude is also all banging.
really, not much to say about this record. and by the way, chopin would've hated this.. he was a fan of bach, the opposite of liszt. zayas plays these etudes like they were some parody of chopin written by liszt.

Not the best...........2005-11-28

I am quiet familiar with these pieces (played quiet a few of the etudes). Zayas is faking it. Listen carefully to the first etude. She slows down a little when the going gets tough ( for example in many of the descending arpeggios) and then speedens up when its an easy chord.
The issue is not that Zayas is playing fast or slow but rather her uneven tempo. One arpeggio is played quicker than the other which is played slower-quicker than the rest. This style of playing partially alleviates the technical difficulties of a piece since one can pick and choose which arpeggious to play slower - probably resulting in playing the harder ones slower (for example the extremely difficult G sharp arpeggio.
In the g sharp etude you can tell her fingers are running faster than what she wants since the balance between right and left hand is eroded. She is struggling here. This is very similar to her push-pull approach in the 4th etude.
Regardless of the above, Pollini has mastered the other technical aspects of the piece - highly sophisticated pedalling often commencing and ending off beat ( not a pedal per bar approach) and completely even. He has also mastered the architectural aspects of the piece and the hidden tunes. But really the largest accomplishment is complete coordination between the fingers the piano and the music. There is a substantial difference between planned + sophisticated flexiblity in tempo, planned + unsophisticated flexibility in tempo, unplanned and unsophisticated flexibility in tempo - Zayas largely falle in the third one.
The main critique overall is that the fingers are running faster than Zayas wants. This is a common problem with these pieces.

Auctores scinduntur.......2005-05-13

Given the recent reviews, I am obliged to edit mine.

It amazes me how a single track of a single CD can produce such contradictory critiques. On the one hand, pianoman is convinced Zayas is "faking it"; that her technique isn't up to the demands of Op. 10 no. 1. On the other hand, Bowden thinks she plays too fast, and in general, thinks she offers a "dishonest" interpretation, takes liberties with the score, and, to top it off, plays in a manner that is "totally insensitive".

To begin with, Bowden surely must know that without examples, his already shrill critique comes across more as scurrilous drivel than as an honest appraisal. So much for Southern gentility! Be that as it may, perhaps what is too slow for pianoman is still too fast for Bowden. After all, the pace of life in North Carolina is generally more leisurely than in New York. Unfortunately, Bowden doesn't tell us which version he thinks is played at just the right tempo.

Not so pianoman: his magnum opus -- his effusive review of Pollini's recording of the Chopin Etudes -- makes it perfectly clear just where his tastes lie. So let's compare Zayas with Pollini. If you listen to the samples provided by Amazon.com, you will be able to tell that Zayas and Pollini play the Op. 10 no. 1 at almost exactly the same tempo. At the one-minute mark, Pollini is just a couple of notes ahead. Which means that Zayas can't be slowing down too much, even if she is "faking it". Unlike Pollini, however, Zayas breathes life into this piece through a judicious use of dynamics, emphasis, and rubato. Pollini, on the contrary, prefers a machine-like approach devoid of any passion or vitality of any kind: not unlike a finely tuned air-cooled, 2-stroke piston engine, Maestro Pollini successfully accords precisely equal weight to each note with truly stunning regularity. If the engineers at Briggs & Strattton heard him play, they would make him the honorary chairman of their team. So, those who prefer Pollini's sangfroid to Zayas's passion and depth of soul, you know which CD to buy.

But how can we be sure that, when it comes to technique, Zayas is not "faking it?" According to pianoman, a pianist is "faking it" whenever he slows down to negotiate a difficult passage. Certainly, technical difficulties may be one reason why a pianist slows down, but it's not the only one. In pianoman's limited view, however, it is the only reason. Given his admiration of Pollini's stark approach, can anyone blame him? No wonder he mistakenly supposes that Zayas's vibrant sound is due rather to an inferior technique than to an altogether different approach to the music!

I can think of no better way of revealing to pianoman his own narrow vision than by comparing Pollini's version of Op. 10 no. 2 with Zayas's. Clearly, this etude is as technically parlous as the first, if not more so. So, then, who takes a faster tempo with those fiendish chromatic scales? Pollini? Guess again! Go ahead, listen to the samples provided by Amazon.com. Anyone will be able to tell that Zayas plays this etude almost 1.5 times faster than Pollini. If you live in North Carolina, sit down: the bracing tempo may give you a case of vertigo. True, in the second section, she slows down and adds some pedal -- but not because her fingers have become tired or because she felt sorry for the denizens of North Carolina -- or because she decided to start "faking it". Rather, she wanted to provide contrast with the first section. As for Pollini, by pianoman's own standards, we should have to conclude that he is "faking it". Is he? I doubt it.

Bottom line: any musical interpretation that exceeds the earthbound and utterly predictable movements of a lawnmower will be enough to give pianoman impure thoughts. I suggest he strive to broaden his horizons and learn to recognize that a) there are other approaches to music besides Pollini's and that b) allowing for flexibility in tempo is part of that approach.

Slow down a little, please?.......2004-09-15

Ms. Zayas completely ruins the intended phrasing by playing much to fast on some of the etudes, namely op. 10 no. 1. Sure, she doesn't have a wrong note on the album, but who cares? Her interpretations are totally dishonest to the score, she takes liberties with the tempi that she has no right to, and, overall, her playing is totally insensitive.

Chopin: Études, Opp. 10 & 25 [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Chopin: Études, Opp. 10 & 25 [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD]
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ASIN: B0001Z376I
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Average customer rating:

Delightful playing!
lyrical virtuosity
Controlled power and lyrical intensity

Chopin: Etudes, Opp. 10 & 25

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

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000SED
Release Date: 1992-01-14

Tracks:

12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 1 In C Major
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 2 In A Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 3 In E Major
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 4 In C Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 5 G Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 6 In E Flat Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 7 In C Major
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 8 In F Major
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 9 In F Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 10 In A Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 11 In E Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 12 In C Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 1 In A Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 2 In F Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 3 In F Major
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 4 In A Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No 5 In E Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 6 In G Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 7 In C Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 8 In D Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 9 In G Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 10 In B Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 11 In A Minor
12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 12 In C Minor
3 Nouvelles Etudes, Op. Posth.: No. 1 In F Minor
3 Nouvelles Etudes, Op. Posth.: No. 2 In D Flat Major
3 Nouvelles Etudes, Op. Posth.: No. 3 In A Flat Major

Customer Reviews:

Delightful playing!.......2004-02-02

I have just few words about this set of Chopin's Etudes: delightful and brilliant. Stunning fluent technique and amazing precision combined with a strong sense of lyricism and melody often a lack in other versions though all great. I own many fantastic recordings (Zayas,Gavrilov,Cziffra,Pollini,Peraya, Ashkenazi,Chiu,Cherkassky, Virsaladze,Magaloff,Neuburger and some etudes by Horowitz) and this one is my favorite. The first Etude Op.10 with its beautiful wide right hand arpeggios, the 5 and 8 along with the n.12 Revolutionary op.10 , the first and the last of Op.25 set all are perfomed marvellously, with masterful fluency and poetry. Boris Berezovsky recorded these Etudes when he was 22 back in 1991 (now he's 36). This young pianist now is surely one of the best virtuosos of our times along with Nikolai Lugansky, Marc-Andre Hamelin, Maurizio Pollini, Juana Zayas, Elisso Virsaladze, Francesco Libetta, Joyce Hatto, Carlo Grante, Nikolai Demidenko, Piers Lane, Evgeny Kissin, Arcadi Volodos, Oleg Marshev, Frederic Chiu, Piotr Anderszwsky, Martin Roscoe, Leslie Howard, Steven Osborne, Lise de la Salle, Severin Von Eckardstein, Jean-Frederic Neuburger).I only wonder why Benedetti Michelangeli didn't record these beautiful pieces...what a pity!

lyrical virtuosity.......2003-08-27

i own several recordings of the etudes and berezovsky's version stands apart for its complete commitment to a poetic, thoughtful reading. the chopin etudes often suffer from an interpretation that lets the mechanical patterns of the fingerwork take control of the feeling. berezovsky is keen to shape each etude into a distinct story, and contrast the interweaving voices and figuration with his touch and phrasing.

juana zayas's fine recording is meatier and more emphatic, but in places it risks becoming strident through effort. pollini's technique is equal to berezovsky's, but his interpretations often seem faceless. no matter which etudes recording you may have, the berezovsky will likely be a welcome contrast and a unique point of reference.

Controlled power and lyrical intensity.......2000-09-18

Berezovsky is a sadly under-rated player, even though he won the Tchakovsky Competition in 1990. His natural talent is given full vent in these Etudes. One must remember that these were studies written by Chopin, each one exploring a singular technical idea - the 'Revolutionary' a test of left-hand power and flexibility, Op.10 No.1 a study in right-hand stretches, etc. Thus in each piece, Berezovsky utilises a different aspect of his phenomenal technique and gives a demonstration of how they should be played. In the CD booklet, one critic accurately observes that Berezovsky 'knows there is plenty of time ahead of him'; and rightly so! In a musical world today where everyone thinks they need to flex their muscle in order to gain attention, Berezovsky carries on at his own pace, regardless. There is no need to play everything at breakneck speed as does Argerich where the tendency is to sink into a show of bad taste and pointless pyrotechnics. These Etudes, unlike those of Czerny or Hanon, are musical pieces in their own right; not merely techinical tests. I compared Etudes on this recording to others I had, and I found they matched the technical completeness of Pollini, and yet carried the lyricism of Cherkassky. Only Ashkenazy is on par for all-roundedness (although he does tend to play everything a little loudly), and Magaloff's touch slightly too light. Along with this, I recommend his recording of the Rach. 3 (with Inbal on Teldec) which also includes a selection of the Op.23 preludes. Here you will find Berezovsky finally throwing caution to the wind and unleashing the full might of his technique in the fiendishly difficult B Flat major prelude - probably the fastest and certainly most impressive recording since Richter's. Both are must buys.

Largo I - A Special 2 1/2 Hour Collection Of Piano Classics

Average customer rating:

great compilation to relax to

Largo I - A Special 2 1/2 Hour Collection Of Piano Classics

Manufacturer: Celestial Harmonies
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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Largo II - A Special 2 1/2 Hour Collection Of Piano Classics

ASIN: B0000007ZV
Release Date: 1992-11-03

Tracks:

Aria from Goldberg Variations BMV 988 - Chen Pi-Hsien
Adagio cantabile from Son No.8 in c, Op.13 (Pathetique)
Impromptu No.2 in A flat, Op.142
Consolation No.3 in D flat
Andante cantabile con espressione from Son in a, KV 310
Intermezzo in a, from Fantasias Op.116 - Idil Biret
Nuages gris
Andante from Son No.25 in G, Op.79
Die Friedeker Muttergottes from On the Overgrown Path
Lob der Tranen
Impromptu No.3 in G flat, Op.90
Etude in E, Op.10 No.3 (Tristesse) - Idil Biret
La lugubre gondola (First version)
Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fut from Images Vol.2 - Klara Kormendi
On Wings of Song Op.34 No.2 - Peter Nagy

Tracks:

Andante cantabile from Poeme No.1 Op.32
Pajaro triste from Impresiones Intimas
In Tranen from On the Overgrown Path
Clair de lune from Ste bergamasque - Klara Komendi
Un sospiro from Etude de Con No.3 in D flat
Nocturne in c, Op.48 No.1 - Sandor Falvay
Les Larmes from Fantasie tableaux Ste No.1, Op.5 - Jeno Jando/Ilona Prunyi
Pagodes from Estampes
Prelude in c sharp from Morceaux de fantasie Op.3 - Idil Biret
Adagio from Son for Pn (From the Street)
Andante sognando
Traumerei from Kinderszenen Op.15
Modere from Scaramouche Op.165b - Ilona Prunyi/Jeno Jando
Oiseaux tristes from Miroirs
Voiles Preludes Vol.1
Regard du silence from Vingt regards sur l'enfant Jesus

Customer Reviews:

great compilation to relax to.......2005-04-18

good relaxing compilations of classical piano music abound, but eckart rahn has upped the ante with this one. you not only get excellent performances of such standards as claire de lune, but a whole second disk with pieces from scriabin, messaien, milhaud and others who have been sorely neglected. this is one well-done job of selection, and there's nothing else out there quite like it. you won't be dissapointed if you're a piano music buff!

Chopin: 12 Études, Op. 10/Rondos, Opp. 1, 5, 16, 73

Average customer rating:

I'm a Chiu fan now
Original and interesting.
Suave sophisticated Chopin

Chopin: 12 Études, Op. 10/Rondos, Opp. 1, 5, 16, 73

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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Chopin: Twelve Études, Op. 25

ASIN: B0000007FV
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

Rondo, Op. 16
Rondo, Op. 73 in C Major
12 udes, Op. 10: I. ude in C Major: Allegro
12 udes, Op. 10: II. ude in A Minor: Allegro
12 udes, Op. 10: III. ude in E Major: Lento, ma non troppo
12 udes, Op. 10: IV. ude in C-sharp Minor: Presto
12 udes, Op. 10: V. ude in G-flat Major: Vivace
12 udes, Op. 10: VI. ude in E-flat Minor: Adante
12 udes, Op. 10: VII. ude in C Major: Vivace
12 udes, Op. 10: VIII. ude in F Major: Allegro
12 udes, Op. 10: IX. ude in F Minor: Allegro, molto agitato
12 udes, Op. 10: X. ude in A-flat Major: Vivace assai
12 udes, Op. 10: XI. ude in E-flat Major: Allegretto
12 udes, Op. 10: XII. ude in C Minor: Allegro con fuoco
Rondo a Mazur, Op. 5 in F Major: Vivace
Rondo, Op 1 in C Minor: Allegro
Rondo for 2 pianos, Op 73 in C Major: Allegro maestoso

Customer Reviews:

I'm a Chiu fan now.......2005-04-21

Superb renditions of these etudes. I've been listening to them over and over. Chiu's playing is clean and gorgeous. Bravo!

Original and interesting........2004-02-03

Frederic Chiu gives a strange fairy like rendition of Chopin's Etudes op.10 perfoming them with marked nuances, colours and originality and a dazzling technique. The result is really interesting though personally i love more the classical style applied to these pieces (Boris Berezovsky, Juana Zayas, Nikolay Lugansky, Andrei Gavrilov and Jean Frederic Neuburger). It is also really pleasant his performance on Rondos. A great cd!

Suave sophisticated Chopin.......2000-08-13

I've long enjoyed the music of Chopin and have listened to many interpreters. I would count Frederic Chiu among the best. His playing is crisp and clean, but with a lovely sense of lyricism and flair for nuance. The Op. 10 etudes are gorgeous and sound new. It's a treat to find the rondos together and performed so exquisitely. I highly recommend his latest recording, Chopin's Complete Mazurkas on Harmonia Mundi, as well. Both CD's offer brilliant piano sound.

Average customer rating:

Chopin: Twenty-Four Etudes, Opp. 10, 25

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003JKH
Release Date: 1992-01-01

Chopin: Etudes, Opp. 10 & 25; Marche Funèbre; Polonaise "Héroïque"

Average customer rating:

Chopin Etudes - The Ideal Peformance

Chopin: Etudes, Opp. 10 & 25; Marche Funèbre; Polonaise "Héroïque"

Manufacturer: Novalis Diamond
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3

ASIN: B0002YLDDW
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Customer Reviews:

Chopin Etudes - The Ideal Peformance.......2005-10-23

After listening to dozens of recordings of the Etudes, I have come to appreciate Yuki Matsuzwa's perfect application of precision while maintaining elegance. It is unfortunate that this recording hasn't been more popular, as there is none other with an approach just like it. There are things in this recording that you won't hear by other performers.

This 2 CD set contains the original recording by Matsuzawa, released September 2000. The original single CD is unfortunately no longer being produced by the label, but is still avaialable to listen to and purchase used. To hear some of Matsuzawa's Etudes, perform a search for Matsuzawa under classical and select the "Chopin: Etudes Opp. 10 & 25". Try listening to op.25, No.6 in G sharp minor and compare with other performances to hear why this recording is so different.

Average customer rating:

Chopin: Etudes, Opp. 10 & 25

Manufacturer: Arcobaleno
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Music Review: