Prepare to be captivated by "The Keys to the Piano," a remarkable compilation by Various Artists, set to release on January 23, 2025, under Warner Classics. This extraordinary album spans a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces, reimagined and performed with exquisite artistry. With a runtime of three hours and eight minutes, it offers an immersive journey through the ages, featuring timeless compositions from legendary composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Ravel.
The album is a celebration of the piano's versatility and depth, showcasing a diverse range of styles and moods. From the hauntingly beautiful "Clair de Lune" by Debussy to the lively "Allegro molto" from Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 31, each track is a testament to the piano's expressive power. The inclusion of lesser-known gems like Scarlatti's "Keyboard Sonata in G Minor" and Royer's "L'aimable" adds a refreshing twist, ensuring a delightful experience for both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
"The Keys to the Piano" is not just a collection of songs; it's a testament to the enduring appeal of classical music. The meticulous selection of pieces and the impeccable performances by Various Artists make this album a standout in the genre. Whether you're in the mood for something soothing or invigorating, this album has something to offer. Get ready to discover the magic of the piano like never before.
Bach, JS: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: II. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Alexandre Tharaud
Fauré: Dolly, Op. 56: I. BerceuseGabriel Fauré, Nicholas Angelich, Alexandre Tharaud
Bach, JS: Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106 "Actus tragicus": No. 2, Chöre, Arioso und Aria. "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit" (Arr. Kurtág for Piano 4-Hands)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, David Fray
De Visée / Transcr. Tharaud: Livre de pièces pour la guitare, Suite No. 9 in D Minor: IV. SarabandeRobert de Visée, Alexandre Tharaud
Fauré: 3 Romances sans paroles, Op. 17: No. 3 in A-Flat MajorGabriel Fauré, Alexandre Tharaud
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux: XIII. Le cygne (Arr. Godowsky for Piano)Camille Saint-Saëns, Alexandre Tharaud
Rameau: Second livre de pièces de clavecin, Suite en mi: V. Le rappel des oiseauxJean-Philippe Rameau, Alexandre Tharaud
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60: V. Le jardin féériqueMaurice Ravel, Alexandre Tharaud, Bertrand Chamayou
Bach, JS: Flute Sonata in E-Flat Major, BWV 1031: II. Siciliano (Transcr. Tharaud for Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: I. Vivace ma non troppo - Adagio espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Alexandre Tharaud
Gluck / Arr Siloti: Orphée et Eurydice, Wq. 41: Dance of the Blessed SpiritsChristoph Willibald Gluck, Alexandre Tharaud
The Windmills of Your Mind (From "The Thomas Crown Affair")Michel Legrand, Alexandre Tharaud, Antonio Pappano, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Bach, JS: Piano Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056: II. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata in D Minor, Kk. 141Domenico Scarlatti, Alexandre Tharaud
Concertino (From "Summer of ‘42")Michel Legrand, Alexandre Tharaud, Antonio Pappano, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Bach, JS: Concerto for Four Pianos in A Minor, BWV 1065: I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Haydn: Keyboard Concerto in D Major, Hob. XVIII:11: III. Rondo all'ungareseJoseph Haydn, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Schubert: Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 4 in C-Sharp MinorFranz Schubert, Alexandre Tharaud
Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 4 in G Minor (Transc Tharaud & Queyras for Cello and Piano)Johannes Brahms, Alexandre Tharaud, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Rachmaninov: Prelude No. 1 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 3 No. 2 "The Bells of Moscow"Sergei Rachmaninoff, Alexandre Tharaud
Bach, JS: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air (Transcr. Tharaud for Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud
Mompou: Paisajes: II. El lagoFederico Mompou, Alexandre Tharaud
Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata in A Major, Kk. 208Domenico Scarlatti, Alexandre Tharaud
Debussy: Suite bergamasque, CD 82, L. 75: III. Clair de luneClaude Debussy, Alexandre Tharaud
Bach, JS: Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: II. Adagio (After Marcello's Oboe Concerto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violins du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Chopin: Mazurka No. 13 in A Minor, Op. 17 No. 4Frédéric Chopin, Alexandre Tharaud
Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata in G Minor, Kk. 8 "Bucolic"Domenico Scarlatti, Alexandre Tharaud
Schubert: 4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899: No. 3 in G-Flat MajorFranz Schubert, Alexandre Tharaud
Royer: Premier livre de pièces de clavecin: VI. L'aimableJoseph-Nicolas-Pancrace Royer, Alexandre Tharaud
Dvořák: Slavonic Dances, Op. 72, B. 145: No. 2 in E Minor, Allegretto graziosoAntonín Dvořák, Alexandre Tharaud, Mariam Batsashvili
Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata in E Major, Kk. 380 "Cortège"Domenico Scarlatti, Alexandre Tharaud
Ravel: Miroirs, M. 43: IV. Alborada del graciosoMaurice Ravel, Alexandre Tharaud
Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23Frédéric Chopin, Alexandre Tharaud
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assaiMaurice Ravel, Alexandre Tharaud, Orchestre National De France, Louis Langrée
Poulenc: Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor, FP 146: I. Allegretto (Live)Francis Poulenc, Alexandre Tharaud, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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