Preludes Op. 28

	Frederic Chopin, Grigory Sokolov Chopin: Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 / Etudes Op. 25 / Preludes Op. 28 Genre: Classical The fourth of 10 volumes in Opus 111's Journey Around Chopin series ushers in the Polish master's Parisian salad days with a proverbial bang. Gregori Sokolov pounces upon the Op. 25 études, Funeral March Sonata, ... more » « less
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CD Details

All Artists: Frederic Chopin, Grigory Sokolov
Title: Chopin: Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 / Etudes Op. 25 / Preludes Op. 28
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Opus 111
Release Date: 9/7/1999
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Forms & Genres, Etudes, Sonatas, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Romantic (c.1820-1910)
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 709861020096

Synopsis

Amazon.com

The fourth of 10 volumes in Opus 111's Journey Around Chopin series ushers in the Polish master's Parisian salad days with a proverbial bang. Gregori Sokolov pounces upon the Op. 25 études, Funeral March Sonata, and Op. 28 préludes, illuminating their harmonic nooks and contrapuntal crannies like a scientist who can't wait to unveil the latest discovery. He milks the still-jarring left-hand dissonances in the A-minor prélude for all their worth, hot-foots his way through the tumultuous B-flat minor and D-minor préludes, and manages to create a specific character for each of the 12 études. Sokolov is one of those rare pianists for whom ideation and execution are one and the same. The presence of an audience only adds fuel to the pianist's individual fire. If you are ready to brave some of Chopin's darker creations without a safety net, let Sokolov be your guide. --Jed Distler

CD Reviews

Absolutely Superb

C. Greco | 11/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This two CD recording, replete with beautiful packaging and over two hours of gorgeous music, is arguably the best installment of the Opus 111 series of ten albums on Frederic Chopin. A comprehensive recording of Chopin's "Well-Tempered Clavier-esque" Etudes Op. 25 and Preludes Op. 28, as well as a beautiful recording of Chopin's "Marche Funebre" Sonata Op. 35, make this album a welcome, important addition to any classical music collection. The piano playing here is outstanding; as the Amazon review notes, Sokolov is a rare pianist who benefits from an acute feel for the music and comprehension of the composer's hypothecated intensions. Sokolov's playing -- in front of a live audience, no less -- is altogether brilliant here. In short, "France Vol. 4" is an essential set of recordings and a must-have. Get this album! You won't regret doing so."

Wow, unexpectedly terrific

Eric J. Wu | cambridge, ma USA | 02/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard 4 recordings of the Etudes (Ashkenazy, Pollini, Lortie, Sokolov). I probably like this one the best, though it only contains Op 25. One downside of it is the sound quality: at points it sounds like the pitch goes bad or something. The performance is stunning, you're surprised to hear that it is a live recording! In my opinion, this is the most exciting of the etude recordings I've heard. Ashkenazy has beautiful tone, but I never "felt" his technique, Pollini has great fingers but sometimes the playing seems reserved, this recording combines what I consider the best of both of those recordings. I liked the performance of the Sonata a lot as well, however I have only heard 1 recording of it and do not have as much to compare it with."