"Opal": Classical Gems is a captivating collection of Frédéric Chopin's most celebrated compositions, meticulously curated to showcase the depth and brilliance of his musical genius. Released on October 11, 2025, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, this album spans a rich tapestry of classical piano and orchestral works, offering a comprehensive journey through Chopin's diverse repertoire.
The album features a stunning array of pieces, including the intricate and virtuosic "12 Études, Op. 25: No. 9 in G-Flat Major 'Butterfly Wings'," the enchanting "Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," and the elegant "Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23 - Pt. 3." Each track is a testament to Chopin's unparalleled ability to blend technical mastery with profound emotional expression.
With a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, "Opal": Classical Gems provides a concise yet immersive experience, perfect for both casual listeners and devoted fans of classical music. The album's diverse selection highlights Chopin's influence across various genres and styles, from the delicate and introspective to the bold and dramatic.
This collection is not just a compilation of Chopin's works; it is a celebration of his enduring legacy. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of classical music, "Opal": Classical Gems offers a timeless exploration of Frédéric Chopin's extraordinary contributions to the musical canon.
12 Études, Op. 25: No. 9 in G-Flat Major "Butterfly Wings"Frédéric Chopin, Maurizio Pollini
Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: Dance of the Sugar-Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Leo Litwin, Boston Pops Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler
Divertimento in B flat, K.270: 4. PrestoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, London Wind Soloists, Jack Brymer
11 Bagatelles, Op. 119: No. 9 in A Minor. Vivace moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Steven Osborne
Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23 - Pt. 3Frédéric Chopin, Tamás Vásáry
Partita No. 3 for Solo Violin in E Major, BWV 1006: VI. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Nathan Milstein
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Theme: "Chorale St. Antoni"Johannes Brahms, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum
Cassation (Final-Musik) in G, K.63: 7. Finale (Allegro assai)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
3 Ecossaises, Op. 72 No. 3: No. 1 in D MajorFrédéric Chopin, Mikhail Pletnev
12 Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 2Ludwig van Beethoven, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude No. 3 in C-Sharp Major, BWV 848/1Johann Sebastian Bach, Colin Tilney
Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826: 5. RondeauxJohann Sebastian Bach, Claudio Arrau
16 Waltzes, Op. 39 - For Piano Duet: 10. in GJohannes Brahms, Anthony Paratore, Joseph Paratore
Partita No. 3 for Solo Violin in E Major, BWV 1006: V. BourréeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gidon Kremer
French Suite No. 3 in B Minor, BWV 814: 4. AnglaiseJohann Sebastian Bach, Thurston Dart
The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66, TH.13 / Act 2: 13a. Farandole: ScènePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, London Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: VII. GigaJohann Sebastian Bach, Carl Seemann
French Suite No. 6 in E, BWV 817: 6. BourréeJohann Sebastian Bach, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Cantabile In B FlatFrédéric Chopin, Anatol Ugorski
Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a: III. Danse des cygnes. Allegro moderatoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Mazurka No. 9 en do majeur, Op. 7 No. 5Frédéric Chopin, Janina Fialkowska
Valse in la mineurOp. posth. (1847-49)Frédéric Chopin, Pietro De Maria
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12, Act I: No. 5c, Pas de deux: ValsePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Minnesota Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 / Book 1:: Variation XIII: Vivace e scherzandoJohannes Brahms, Paolo Restani
12 Études d'exécution transcendante S139/R2b: No. 1 "Preludio" en ut majeurFranz Liszt, Sheng Cai
5 Contredanses "Non più andrai", K. 609: No. 1 in C Major "Non più andrai"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wiener Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
6 Consolations, S. 172: No. 1 in E Major. Andante con motoFranz Liszt, Jorge Bolet
12 German Dances, WoO 8: No. 1 in C MajorLudwig van Beethoven, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Les petits riens, Ballet, K. 299b: No. 10, AgitéWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: CadenzaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mischa Maisky, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66, Prologue: No. 3, Pas de six: Var. 2. CoulantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Russian National Orchestra, Mikhail Pletnev
16 Waltzes, Op. 39: No. 15 in A-Flat MajorJohannes Brahms, Bracha Eden, Alexander Tamir
12 Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 1Ludwig van Beethoven, Bayerische Kammerphilharmonie, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 8. The Doll's FuneralPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Valentina Lisitsa
6 Morceaux, Op. 19: III. Feuillet d'album. Allegretto simplicePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Pavel Kolesnikov
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K.384 / Act 1: "Herr, geschwind auf die Seite" - MarschWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Uwe Peper, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 / Book 2:: Variation II: Poco animatoJohannes Brahms, Paolo Restani
Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 / Book 2:: Variation IIIJohannes Brahms, Paolo Restani
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 5 in G Minor. Allegro (Orch. Schmeling)Johannes Brahms, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Walter Weller
Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35 / Book 2:: Variation XII: Un poco AndanteJohannes Brahms, Paolo Restani
16 Waltzes, Op. 39 - For Piano Duet: 13. in CJohannes Brahms, Marco Schiavo, Sergio Marchegiani