Works for the Left Hand: Bach / Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Bartók, Scriabin, Chopin / Godowsky, Prokofiev

Michel Béroff, a renowned pianist with a career spanning over five decades, presents an extraordinary album titled "Works for the Left Hand: Bach / Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Bartók, Scriabin, Chopin / Godowsky, Prokofiev." Set for release on May 1, 2025, under Warner Classics, this collection is a testament to Béroff's virtuosity and versatility, featuring a diverse range of compositions specifically crafted or adapted for the left hand alone.

The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes, encompassing 21 tracks that showcase the technical prowess and expressive depth of Michel Béroff. The repertoire includes works by classical giants such as Bach, Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Bartók, Scriabin, Chopin, and Prokofiev, as well as the lesser-known but equally brilliant Leopold Godowsky. Each piece is a masterclass in left-hand piano technique, demonstrating the incredible range and capability of a single hand.

Highlights include Saint-Saëns' "6 Études pour la main gauche seule," Bartók's "4 Pieces, Sz. 22," and Godowsky's intricate "Studies on Chopin's Études," which reimagine Chopin's famous études for the left hand. The album also features a transcription of Bach's iconic "Chaconne" from the Partita for Solo Violin, expertly arranged for piano left hand by Brahms, and Prokofiev's dynamic "Piano Concerto No. 4," a piece originally composed for the left hand alone.

Michel Béroff's interpretation of these works is sure to captivate audiences, offering a unique perspective on these timeless compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and engaging listening experience.

Michel Béroff, born in 1950 in Épinal, France, is a renowned French pianist and conductor of Bulgarian origin, celebrated for his virtuosity and deep musical insight. His journey began at the Nancy Conservatory, where he won the 1st prize in 1962 and the prize of excellence in 1963. Béroff continued his studies at the Paris Conservatory, graduating with the 1st prize in 1966 under the tutelage of Yvonne Loriod and Pierre Sancan. His breakthrough came in 1967 when he won the First Prize at the inaugural Olivier Messiaen International Piano Competition, chaired by the composer himself, establishing Béroff as one of the foremost interpreters of Messiaen's music.

Throughout his illustrious career, Béroff has performed with some of the world's most prestigious conductors and orchestras, including Seiji Ozawa, Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, and Leonard Bernstein. His repertoire spans a wide range of composers, from contemporary masters like Messiaen and Debussy to classical giants such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart. Béroff's recordings, particularly his interpretations of Messiaen's works, are highly regarded and have earned him numerous accolades.

In addition to his performing career, Béroff has dedicated himself to teaching, serving as a professor at the Paris Conservatoire for 25 years. He continues to inspire new generations of pianists through master classes around the world, including in Japan. Béroff's contributions to the world of classical music are immense, making him a true ambassador of the piano.

Works for the Left Hand: Bach / Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Bartók, Scriabin, Chopin / Godowsky, Prokofiev

Album Details

Tracks

About Michel Béroff

Best vinyl LP prices!