Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Chopin's compositions with Alfred Cortot's masterful interpretation in "Cortot Plays Chopin: The Munich Recitals: 1955/1956." This album, released on June 30, 2006, under the Urania label, is a captivating journey through a selection of Chopin's most beloved works, recorded during Cortot's legendary recitals in Munich.
The album opens with the complete set of Chopin's Preludes, Op. 28, a collection of 24 short pieces that showcase the composer's genius and Cortot's unparalleled virtuosity. Each prelude, from the serene "Prelude No. 1 in C Major" to the dramatic "Prelude No. 24 in D Minor," is a miniature masterpiece, offering a glimpse into Chopin's emotional depth and Cortot's interpretive brilliance.
Following the preludes, the album presents Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35, a monumental work that demonstrates the composer's mastery of form and expression. Cortot's performance is a testament to his deep understanding of Chopin's music, with each movement—from the intense "Grave - Doppio Movimento" to the triumphant "Finale: Presto"—revealing new layers of meaning and beauty.
With a total runtime of 52 minutes, this album is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Chopin's piano repertoire, as interpreted by one of the most celebrated pianists of the 20th century. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Cortot's playing is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2006 Urania
Tracks
Prelude No. 1 in C Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 2 in A Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 3 in G Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 5 in D Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 7 in A Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 8 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 9 in E Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 10 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 11 in B Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 12 in G-Sharp Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 13 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 14 E-Flat Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 15 in D-Flat Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 16 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 17 in A-Flat Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 18 in F Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 19 in E-Flat Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 20 in C Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 21 in B-Flat Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 22 in G Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 23 in F Major, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Prelude No. 24 in D Minor, Op. 28Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35: I. Grave - Doppio MovimentoAlfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35: II. ScherzoAlfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35: III. Marcia FunebreAlfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35: IV. Finale: PrestoAlfred Cortot
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