Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Romantic piano music with this captivating album featuring the works of Frédéric Chopin and Robert Schumann. The album opens with Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35, famously known for its haunting "Funeral March." This sonata showcases Chopin's mastery of form and emotion, taking the listener on a journey through a range of moods and atmospheres.
The second half of the album is dedicated to the works of Robert Schumann, a prominent figure of the early Romantic era. Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood," Op. 15, offers a delightful collection of short pieces that evoke the innocence and wonder of youth. Each piece paints a vivid picture, from the playful "Hasche-Mann" to the serene "Träumerei."
The album concludes with Schumann's "Carnaval," Op. 9, a suite of character pieces that explore a variety of moods and personalities. From the playful "Pierrot" and "Arlequin" to the introspective "Eusebius" and "Florestan," "Carnaval" is a kaleidoscope of musical colors and emotions.
Performed with sensitivity and virtuosity, this album is a testament to the enduring appeal of these masterpieces. The intricate details and nuances of each piece are brought to life, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2008 Naxos2008 Naxos
Tracks
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35 "Funeral March": I. Grave - Doppio movimentoFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35 "Funeral March": II. ScherzoFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35 "Funeral March": III. Marche funebre: LentoFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35 "Funeral March": IV. Finale. PrestoFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 1, Von fremden Landern und Menschen (of Foreign Lands and People)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 2, Curiose Geschichte (a Strange Story)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 3, Hasche-Mann (Catch-as-catch-can)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 4, Bittendes Kind (Pleading Child)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 5, Gluckes genug (Happy Enough)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 6, Wichtige Begebenheit (an Important Event)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 7, Träumerei (Dreaming)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 8, Am Camin (By the Fire-side)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 9, Ritter vom Steckenpferd (Knight of the Hobb y-horse)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 10, Fast zu ernst (Almost Too Serious)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 11, Furchtenmachen (Frightening)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 12, Kind im Einschlummern (Child Falling Asleep)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15: No. 13, Der Dichter spricht (the Poet Speaks)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Waldszenen, Op. 82: No. 7, Vogel als Prophet (the Songster-Prophet)Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 1, PreambuleRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 2, PierrotRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 3, ArlequinRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 4, Valse nobleRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 5, EusebiusRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 6, FlorestanRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 7, CoquetteRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 8, RepliqueRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: Sphinx 1-3Robert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Carnaval, Op. 9: No. 9, PapillonsRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
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