Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Frédéric Chopin's masterful compositions with this captivating album. Released on January 1, 1997, under the Cambria label, this collection spans a generous 1 hour and 27 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of classical piano music that showcases Chopin's unparalleled artistry.
The album opens with Chopin's iconic "24 Preludes, Op. 28," a series of brief, expressive pieces that explore a wide range of emotions and technical challenges. Each prelude is a miniature masterpiece, demonstrating Chopin's ability to convey profound depth and beauty in just a few minutes. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Prelude No. 15 in D-Flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15, 'Raindrop,'" and the introspective "Prelude No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4."
Following the preludes, the album presents Chopin's "Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58," a monumental work that exemplifies the composer's virtuosity and structural ingenuity. The sonata's four movements—from the majestic "Allegro maestoso" to the exhilarating "Finale. Presto, non tanto"—offer a journey through a landscape of emotional and technical brilliance.
The album also includes Chopin's enchanting "Waltz No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 34, No. 1, 'Grande Valse brillante,'" a piece that epitomizes the grace and charm of the waltz form. Additionally, the collection features Claude Debussy's "12 Etudes, L. 136, Book 2: 12 Etudes: No. 1, Pour les cinq doigts (for the five fingers)," providing a delightful contrast and showcasing Debussy's innovative approach to piano composition.
Complementing these works is Mendelssohn's "Lieder ohne Worte, Book 6, Op. 67: Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 6: No. 32 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 67, No. 2," a lyrical and evocative piece that adds another layer of musical richness to the album.
This album is a testament to Chopin's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that resonates with listeners across generations. Whether you are a devoted fan of classical piano or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a profound and enjoyable listening experience.
1997 Cambria1997 Cambria
Tracks
Fantasy in F Minor, Op. 49Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 1 in C Major, Op. 28, No. 1Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 28, No. 2Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 3 in G Major, Op. 28, No. 3Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 5 in D Major, Op. 28, No. 5Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 28, No. 6Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 7 in A Major, Op. 28, No. 7Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 8 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 28, No. 8Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 9 in E Major, Op. 28, No. 9Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 10 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 28, No. 10Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 11 in B Major, Op. 28, No. 11Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 12 in G-Sharp Minor, Op. 28, No. 12Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 13 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 28, No. 13Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 14 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 28, No. 14Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 15 in D-Flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15, "Raindrop"Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 16 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 28, No. 16Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 17 in A-Flat Major, Op. 28, No. 17Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 18 in F Minor, Op. 28, No. 18Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 19 in E-Flat Major, Op. 28, No. 19Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 20 in C Minor, Op. 28, No. 20Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 21 in B-Flat Major, Op. 28, No. 21Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 22 in G Minor, Op. 28, No. 22Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 23 in F Major, Op. 28, No. 23Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
24 Préludes, Op. 28: Prelude No. 24 in D Minor, Op. 28, No. 24Frédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: I. Allegro maestosoFrédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: II. Scherzo. Molto vivaceFrédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: III. LargoFrédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: IV. Finale. Presto, non tantoFrédéric Chopin, Jakob Gimpel
Lieder ohne Worte, Book 6, Op. 67: Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 6: No. 32 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 67, No. 2Felix Mendelssohn, Jakob Gimpel
12 Etudes, L. 136, Book 2: 12 Etudes: No. 1, Pour les cinq doigts (for the five fingers)Claude Debussy, Jakob Gimpel