Chopin Nocturnes

From the forward-thinking pianism and sublime originality displayed by the early Op. 9 (1830-31) to the filigreed arabesques that grace the middle-register melodies in the more imposing structures of Op. 62 (1846), it is the nocturnes that allow us to trace Chopin’s aesthetic evolution. Indeed, his intention to create a new era in art is here in full display, not only in the magical sonorities he managed to evoke from the instrument, but also in his revolutionary lyricism, present from the onset, in which operatic archetypes unite with completely new pianistic intuitions. Chopin’s nocturnes were the works of an inspired soul; in turn, they inspired future generations of composers.A prize winner in the XVI International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, French pianist François Dumont presents a double album featuring Chopin’s complete nocturnes. Dumont brings years of life experience in this performance, playing with refinement and inspiration. In addition to the nocturnes that Chopin published during his lifetime, the present recording includes the Nocturne in E Minor, possibly written in Warsaw in 1827 and published posthumously in 1855 as part of Op. 72; the Nocturne in C Minor, B. 108, written in 1837 but published only in 1938; and a piece inscribed “Largo con gran espressione,” a work Chopin composed for his sister in 1830 as she studied his Second Piano Concerto (thematic material from the Concerto in F Minor is recognizable throughout the piece). The latter is perhaps one of Chopin’s most celebrated works, and was titled “nocturne” only upon its publication in 1875.Mr. Dumont’s recording of Chopin’s complete nocturnes took place on February 2017 and is recorded with 3 microphones stereo pair.

Frédéric Chopin made his name in the high-society salons of his native Poland and, above all, in the vibrant Paris of Eugène Delacroix, Victor Hugo and George Sand. His pieces for solo piano, often technically challenging, always enchanting, are in constant global demand today, especially when brought to life by a performer of Maurizio Pollini’s stature. The 76-year-old Italian musician has been in love with Chopin’s art since

A graceful and charismatic performer, Fliter is known for her effortless technique and thoughtful, sensitive music-making; every performance is deeply personal and full of freshness and poetry, perfect for exploring Chopin’s masterful Nocturnes.

Maurizio Pollini, “der überragende Chopin-Interpret seiner Generation”, setzt seine chronologische Erkundung der Musik des polnischen Meisterkomponisten fort. Nach dem überaus erfolgreichen “Chopin – Late Works” aus 2017 widmet sich sein jüngstes DG Album, vier Werken aus den Jahren 1843/44, darunter die wehmütige Berceuse in Des-Dur op. 57 und die viersätzige Klaviersonate in h-Moll op. 58. Pollini liebt die Werke Chopins seit seiner Kindheit, eine Begeisterung, die sich deutlich in seinen gefeierten Chopin-Aufnahmen für Deutsche Grammophon zeigt.

Bruno Rigutto performed a new recording, matured over time, of Chopin's Nocturnes, 40 years after his first complete recording of these pieces.

Creating atmospheric music engulfed with refined nuance, virtuoso pianist Samson Francois interprets Chopin’s elegant Nocturnes. An artistic triumph, the remastered album possesses the most remarkable sound quality. Francois executes each piece the way Chopin intended them to be played. A must-own for any audiophile collection.

In August-September 1965 (February 1967 for Op.55 No.2) Rubinstein, then 79 years old, recorded for RCA these 19 Nocturnes here reissued — following Chopin's wishes, Rubinstein never performed or recorded the two unpublished nocturnes that fill out many recorded sets. Between effusion and restraint near-ideally balanced, and in a true, fair and alert tone, Arthur Rubinstein stands apart, in addition to his incomparable rubato, by a spontaneity and youth of heart with which he animates these pieces; bathed in light and colors, they are no longer melancholic only.

Bruno Rigutto performed a new recording, matured over time, of Chopin's Nocturnes, 40 years after his first complete recording of these pieces. His long-time attendance and his poetic approach to this corpus make this new album an exciting object. This second complete recording is enriched with the sheen that only time and long-lasting imagination can give to the performance. For the French pianist, playing Chopin's music has a mysterious aura. The performer's sensitivity has to resonate with the composer's affects. The alchemy is complete, the interpreter drawing from within himself the atmospheres to create subtle nuances and phrasings. Finally, the album is the mirror of the inner life of Chopin since it follows the chronological order of composition of the Nocturnes. So this is the soundtrack to Chopin’s life that we are following as we listen. The listener discovers or rediscovers Bruno Rigutto under the nocturnal rays of romanticism, which are infused with the works of one of the most endearing composers and pianists.

Over the last 25 years, Fazıl Say has firmly established himself as a musician to be reckoned with – as a pianist, director and composer. He is particularly noted for interpretations of Mozart, and it was with a recording of the complete sonatas that he made his debut recording for Warner Classics. Following the release in spring 2017 of 4 Cities with long-time recital partner, cellist Nicolas Altstaedt, he now turns to another composer/performer, Frederic Chopin, arguably the greatest of the 19th century.