Immerse yourself in the world of classical piano mastery with "Master Classes from the École Normale featuring Alfred Cortot." This exceptional album, released on August 15, 2005, under the Sony Classical label, offers a captivating journey through the intricate and timeless compositions of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and more. With a duration of 2 hours and 54 minutes, this collection is a testament to the profound artistry of Alfred Cortot, a renowned figure in the realm of classical piano.
The album features a meticulously curated selection of live performances, showcasing Cortot's unparalleled technique and deep emotional connection to the music. From Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major to Chopin's poignant Ballades and Scherzos, each piece is rendered with a level of nuance and expressiveness that is truly mesmerizing. Cortot's interpretations are not just performances; they are profound explorations of the composers' intentions, offering listeners a unique and intimate perspective on these beloved works.
In addition to the stunning performances, the album includes introductory remarks by Cortot himself, providing valuable insights into his approach to these pieces. These remarks offer a glimpse into the mind of a master, enhancing the listening experience and deepening the connection between the artist and the audience.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Master Classes from the École Normale featuring Alfred Cortot" is a must-listen. It is a celebration of the piano's rich heritage and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Alfred Cortot. Prepare to be transported to the heart of classical piano tradition, where every note resonates with history, passion, and unparalleled artistry.
(P) 2004 Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Tracks
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: I. Praeludium - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: II. Allemande - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: III. Corrente - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: IV. Sarabande - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: V. Menuet I & II - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: VI. Giga - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Fantasy in C minor for Piano, K. 475 - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 11 in A Major for Piano, K. 331 (300i): I. Tema. Andante grazioso e variazioni - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 11 in A Major for Piano, K. 331 (300i): II. Menuetto - Trio - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 11 in A Major for Piano, K. 331 (300i): III. (Rondo) alla Turca. Allegretto - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310: I. Allegro maestoso - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310: II. Andante cantabile con espressione - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310: III. Presto - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": I. Das Lebewohl/Les Adieux. Adagio - Allegro - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": II. Abwesenheit/L'absence. Andante espressivo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": III. Das Wiedersehn/Le retour. Vivacissimamente - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90: I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90: II. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 28 in A Major for Piano, Op. 101: I. Etwas lebhaft, und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegretto ma non troppo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 28 in A Major for Piano, Op. 101: II. Lebhaft, Marschmässig. Vivace alla marcia - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 28 in A Major for Piano, Op. 101: III. Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 28 in A Major for Piano, Op. 101: IV. Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr, und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 30 in E Major for Piano, Op. 109: I. Vivace, ma non troppo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 30 in E Major for Piano, Op. 109: II. Prestissimo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 30 in E Major for Piano, Op. 109: III. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo. Variations I - IV - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major for Piano, Op. 110: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major for Piano, Op. 110: II. Allegro molto - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major for Piano, Op. 110: III. Adagio ma non troppo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major for Piano, Op. 110: IV. Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
II. Andantino from Sonata No. 2 in G minor for Piano, Op. 22 - LiveRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
I. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen from Fantasy in C Major for Piano, Op. 17 - LiveRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Introductory remarks to Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35 - LiveAlfred Cortot, Murray Perahia
Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35: I. Grave - Doppio movimento - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35: II. Scherzo - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35: III. Marche funèbre. Lento - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35: IV. Presto - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Introductory remarks to Sonata No. 3 in B minor for Piano, Op. 58 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot, Murray Perahia
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: I. Allegro maestoso - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: II. Scherzo. Molto vivace - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: III. Largo - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: IV. Finale. Presto non tanto - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Introductory remarks to Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 - LiveAlfred Cortot, Murray Perahia
Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Introductory remarks to Ballade No. 3 in A-flat Major, Op. 47 - LiveAlfred Cortot, Murray Perahia
Ballade No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 47 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Scherzo No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Mazurka in G minor, Op. 24, No. 1 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Mazurka in C Major, Op. 24, No. 2 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Mazurka in B-flat minor, Op. 24, No. 4 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot