The Chopin Scherzos

Track Listings

1. No.1 in B Minor, Op.20

2. No.2 in B-flat Minor, Op.31

3. No.3 in C-sharp Minor, Op.39

4. No.4 in E, Op.54

Tracks:

No. 1, Op. 23 in G Minor
No. 2, Op. 38 in F
No. 3, Op. 47 in A-Flat
No. 4, Op. 52 in F Minor
No. 1, Op. 20 in B Minor
No. 2, Op. 31 in B-Flat Minor
No. 3, Op. 39 in C-Sharp Minor
No. 4, Op. 54 in E

Customer Reviews:

a good collection of classical music........2007-01-10

If you enjoy piano music, you should have this CD.

As Good As It Gets.......2006-03-24

Rubinstein was in his prime when these versions of the Chopin Ballades and Scherzos were recorded in 1959. Curiously, although this was his third version of the Scherzos, he had never before recorded the Ballades.

Rubinstein was temperamentally well suited to these works, moreso than in the Mazurkas and Preludes. The narrative aspect of the Ballades suited his intuitive sense of structure well. At this point in his career, Rubinstein had known these pieces for six decades. It is no wonder, therefore, that he performs them more convincingly than, say, Kissin does on his recent recording.

The Scherzos are outright virtuoso works. Rubinstein would occasionally perform all four in concert, back-to-back. Any other pianist would have been exhasted by the effort. Not Rubinstein, who posessed a seemingly inexaustable reserve of energy. The pianist is just as on top of these pieces, technically, as any of his colleagues, and much more attuned to them musically.

The sound, made from original three channel tapes produced by RCA's legendary Jack Pfeiffer, is spectacular in this new SACD edition--sounding every bit as lifelike as the best of today's digital recordings.

This is the one to get!

Great performances and sound.......2004-11-28

Highly recommended. Rubinstein's performances of the Ballades are lyrical, and the Scherzos exciting. The difference with previous issues is the SACD sound, which adds just that much more realism, the sense that the sound is "truer." A wonderful disc both artistically and sonically.

Average customer rating:

Three phases of a great Chopin player

Chopin: 4 Ballades; Scherzos; Mazurkas

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000BKDO3Y
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

Ballade No.1, Op.23, In G Minor
Ballade No.2, Op.38, In F Major
Ballade No.3, Op.47, In A-Flat Major
Ballade No.4, Op.52, In F Minor
Scherzo No.1, Op.20, In B Minor
Scherzo No.3, Op.39 In C-Sharp Minor
Mazurka, Op.24 No.2, In C Major
Mazurka, Op.56 No.3, In C Minor
Mazurka, Op.59 No.1, In A Minor
Mazurka, Op.59 No.2, In A-Flat Major
Mazurka, Op.59 No.3, In F-Sharp Minor

Tracks:

Andante Spianato/Grand Polonaise Brillante, Op.22
Nocturne, Op.62 No.1, In B Major
Scherzo No.2 Op.31, In B-Flat Minor
Scherzo No.4, Op.54, In E Major
Etude In F Minor
Etude In D-Flat Major
Etude In A-Flat Major
Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op.61, In A-Flat Major

Amazon.com

Emanuel Ax here offers a fine selection of Chopin, showcasing every aspect of the great Polish composer. The G Minor Ballade is played as poetically as the Scherzos are played expressively, with some of the more chaotic moments presented in the most melodious way. Ax rarely showboats and is mostly interested in Chopin's long lines. His tone is always warm and never brittle; the argument could be made that some of the music is emotionally thornier than Ax acknowledges, but he nonetheless is always communicative, underlining the harmonic daring of the music this latter trait particularly in the mazurkas. The two CDs are programmed for variety and it works--listening straight through never tires the ear or the sensations. The sound is big and rich. Highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Three phases of a great Chopin player.......2006-06-14

I think Emanuel Ax has settled into routine playing as he's aged, but these are premiere Chopin interpretations from two decades ago. Now that Sony and BMG have merged their classical divisions, it's possible to issue Ax's excellent 1985 reading of the four Ballades--the best ever done by an American--with a 1988 recital of Mazurkas and the four Scherzi. The first recital was originally on RCA, the second on Sony. But just to confuse things a bit more, the readings here of Scherzos #2 and #4 are dropped in from an even earlier RCA recording.

The provenance won't matter that much to the general listener, who will be happy with the budget price for probably the best Chopin two-fer on the market. Begin listening with the four Ballades, where Ax is at his most impassioned and inspired. Even three years later, when he got to Scherzos #1 and #3, he had become more refined and relaxed, less a romantic risk-taker. He's remained that way ever since, but here at least we can hear Ax in his glory. Faithful as I am to Pollini and Kisin in this repertoire, this collection often rises to their heights.

Chopin: Waltzes; 4 Scherzos; 26 Preludes

Average customer rating:

Excellent
Another excellent performance by an excellent pianist

Chopin: Waltzes; 4 Scherzos; 26 Preludes

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Chopin Polonaises
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Chopin: 24 Préludes

ASIN: B00002MXN5
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

E Flat Major, Op. 18
A Flat Major, Op. 34, No. 1
A Minor, Op. 34, No. 2
F Major, Op. 34, No. 3
A Flat Major, Op. 42
D Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1 'Minute'
C Sharp Minor, Op. 64, No. 2
A Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 3
A Flat Major, Op. 69, No. 1 'L'Adieu'
B Minor, Op. 69, No. 2
G Flat Major, Op. 70, No. 1
F Minor, Op. 70, No. 2
D Flat Major, Op. 70, No. 3
E Minor
E Major
A Minor
A Flat Major
E Flat Major
E Flat Major
No. 1 In B Minor, Op. 20

Tracks:

No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 31
No. 3 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 39
No. 4 In E Major, Op. 54
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 1 In C Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 2 In A Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 3 In G Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 4 In E Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 5 In D Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 6 In B Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 7 In A Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 8 In F Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 9 In E Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 11 In B Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 12 In G Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A Flat Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 19 In E Flat Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 20 In C Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 21 In B Flat Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 22 In G Minor
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 23 In F Major
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 24 In D Minor
Prelude, Op. 45: C Sharp Minor
Prelude: A Flat Major

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2000-07-05

As with most of Ashkenazy's recordings, the BEAUTY of the music is very evident, with showmanship left on the back burner. Of course, this is very desirable but sometimes a little more bravura might be desired in some pieces. For instance: take the preludes recorded here: they do not match up to the benchmark Martha Argerich recording for Deutsche Grammophone. This is not to say that Ashkenazy's playing is poor, not at all, but it is less spirited and not as imaginative as Argerich's. However, as if to vindicate my faith in Ashkenazy's ability, the Waltzes supplied here are flawless examples of this great pianist at his best: I was first introduced to the Waltzes through the Naxos pianist Idil Biret, and since hearing Ashkenazy perform them have never gone back to that Naxos CD at all. The scherzos are truly brilliant, though I prefer the earlier recording recently released on the Decca: Legends label - they seem to be fresher and somehow more in tune to the spirit of Chopin. However, I cannot criticise this performance too much: it is a superb CD - a welcome treasure for any Ashkenazy/Chopin fan.

Another excellent performance by an excellent pianist.......2000-03-19

As usual, Ashkenazy's performance of Chopin is extremely good. His interpretation and technique are unmatched by any other pianist.

Average customer rating:

disappointing, salonish performances
This man is incredible
Chopin that does not quite escape the salon
THIN SOUND
ELEGANCE

Chopin: Four Ballades & Four Scherzos

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0001B0A8A
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

Ballade No 1 In G Minor Op 23
Scherzo No 1 In B Minor Op 20
Ballade No 2 In A Minor Op 38
Scherzo No 2 In B Flat Minor Op 31
Ballade No 3 In A Flat Major Op 47
Scherzo No 3 In C Sharp Minor Op 39
Ballade No 4 In F Minor Op 52
Scherzo No 4 In E Major Op 54

Customer Reviews:

disappointing, salonish performances.......2005-04-28

I've enjoyed many of Stephen Hough's performances in the past, particularly his delightful "Albums," his Hummel and his Mendelssohn. But in this case, he reduces some of Chopin's greatest music to salon proportions. Virtually every work here is ruined by incessant toying with phrasing and tempo and the disclosing of nonexistent inner voices. At one point in the first scherzo he suddenly begins playing at half tempo! Nor is his technique impressive. The octaves in the third scherzo, for example, are clumsy. To boot, the sound on this cd is cold and remote, far below Hyperion's usual standards. I'm sure Hough will produce much better discs than this careless production in the future. But avoid this disc and stick with Moravec and Perahia in the Ballades and Rubinstein and Richer in the scerzi.

This man is incredible.......2005-03-17

As a pianist myself, Hough is one of the best pianists I have ever heard. Performing these pieces, especially the scherzos, is no easy task, but Hough does it powerfully and gloriously. I also am very perplexed to see all of these reviews telling of bad sound quality. I think this CD has very good sound quality, and there is absolutely nothing to worry about here. This is an amazing CD, and definitely one of my favorites.

Chopin that does not quite escape the salon.......2005-03-13

With recorded sound that tends to crunch at fortes or with heavy chords in the bass, thin highs (I suspect that the problem is two thirds to do with the modern Steinway that Hough is playing on as much as anything), this new disc of scherzi and ballades is out of competition with the best recordings of these pieces, and competition is fierce, and partly why I can not rate it above two stars. Hough's playing, while often brilliant (i.e., fine close to the impossible close to the F Minor Ballade), is riddled by too many dovetailings, backphrasings, and other mannerisms, interpretative devices that distort rhythm and form, to be taken seriously as anything belonging to the front rank of Chopin playing, yet from a recognizably serious, conscientious artist. He seems to bring his disc to a little more of a compelling close with the E Major Scherzo, but even the middle section in C-sharp minor is played all a little too sotto voce to get any point across, and fussiness continues into the closing section. The last new disc of the Scherzi I have heard is the Li Yundi on DGG. Barring the mildest of shortcomings interpretatively, this is a disc that shows an astoundingly quickly developing artistry and maturity that leaves his also new compatriot on the 'yellow label' in the dust, and thus gets just about my highest recommendation - as being able to go toe-to-toe with the most respected Chopin interpreters of the recent past or even the past generation - something that may have not been quite achieved on his first Chopin disc for DGG.

THIN SOUND.......2004-09-28

Hough is a fine musician and virtuoso, but here he sounds as if he is playing on a pianola. Compare this to the altogether different sound of Perahia's Ballades: the Perahia disc sounds plush (but still quite realistic). The hardness of tone on the Hough disc is wearying after a while. I noticed this with great force when my multi-CD player moved to the next disc after the Chopin Hough disc was finished playing: the next disc was the new Mikhail Pletnev recording of Schumann. The lush, plush, colorful, easeful, three-dimensional (or is it "four- dimensional" now?) sound of the Pletnev disc made the sound of the Hough disc sound hard, distant, thin, and unacceptable. Then I sought out the Perahia disc for comparison - and ended up listing my Hough on EBay.

ELEGANCE.......2004-04-19

Next to the Nocturnes, the Ballades and the Scherzos are my favorite works by Chopin. I own many fine recordings of both works. Stephen Hough's recording of the Ballades and Scherzos has become, to me, "Dessert Island" material. He plays the works with sublime elegance and poetry. There is no shortage of bravura; however, he plays the works with much introspection. I "felt the music" in my soul. Bravo Mr. Hough!
The recording is wonderful. The Hyperion lable proves once again why it is considered the "Rolls Royce" of labels.

Chopin: Scherzos No3; Sonatas for piano No2

Average customer rating:

Temperamental chemistry!
Beyond category
untitled

Chopin: Scherzos No3; Sonatas for piano No2

Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Chopin: Four Scherzi

ASIN: B000001G5V
Release Date: 1985-02-15

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 in b-flat, Op.35: Grave - Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 in b-flat, Op.35: Scherzo
Piano Sonata No.2 in b-flat, Op.35: Marche funebre. Lento - attacca:
Piano Sonata No.2 in b-flat, Op.35: Finale. Presto
Prelude in c#, Op.45: Sostenuto
Scherzo in c#, Op.39: Presto con fuoco
Nocturne in E-flat, Op.55 No.2: Lento sostenuto
Etude in F, Op.10 No.8: Allegro
Etude in A-flat, Op.10 No.10: Vivace assai
Etude in g#, Op.25 No.6: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Temperamental chemistry!.......2006-12-26

Ivo Porgorelich's overmastering personality may be easily mirrored throughout every one of his interpretations, that has led him to become a sort of prophet in the desert due his flippancy. And nothing is more mischievous that to adopt such posture in a world, plenty of new
and brilliant soloists. The time has come for him and having the opportunity to watch him in Caracas I could reaffirm my opinion about him.

His gelid approaches sin of lack of humbleness. And although his impeccable technique and analytical coldness, I guess he must be appropriate to play the repertoire of the Viennese School of the early decades of the XX century.

Beyond category.......2005-12-03

When Pogorelich did not make the finals of the 1980 Warsaw Competition (where they play exclusively Chopin), his response was to sign with Deutsche Grammophone for his first recording and he made it an all-Chopin affair. From his stunning opening take on Chopin's Sonata #2, to a Funeral March restored to its grandeur, to the breaktaking final moments of the Scherzo #3, Pogorelich announced to the music world that he'd arrived. He has sadly recorded far too little in his career; listen to this magical recording and be astonished.

untitled.......2004-09-08

These performances are idiosyncratic, but that does not mean that they are not good.

Artur Rubinstein The Chopin Collection. The Ballades. The Scherzos.

Average customer rating:

Artur Rubinstein The Chopin Collection. The Ballades. The Scherzos.

Manufacturer: Musical Heritage Society
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000E7R534

Product Description

Frederic Chopin. 1810-1849 The Ballades: No 1 in G Minor, Op. 23 (9:17), No. 2 in F, Op. 38 (6:38), No. 3 in A-Flat, Op. 47 (7:15), No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52 (10:41). The Scherzos: No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 20 (9:02), No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 31 (9:42), No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39 (7:12), No. 4 in E, Op. 54 (10:55).

Average customer rating:

Technically Flawless
OK, but where is Chopin, where is artistry?

Chopin: Sonata No. 2; 4 Scherzos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000LE0TB0
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

I. Grave-Doppio Movimento
II. Scherzo
III. Marche Funebre: Lento
IV. Finale: Presto
Presto Con Fuoco-Molto Piu Lento (Sotto Voce E Ben Legato)-Tempo I-Risoluto E Sempre Piu Animato
Presto-Sostenuto-(Tempo I)-Piu Mosso
Presto Con Fuoco-Meno Mosso-Tempo I-Meno Mosso Tempo I
Presto-Piu Lento-Tempo I-Piu Presto

Customer Reviews:

Technically Flawless.......2007-06-26

There is absolutely no point in writing an online review comparing this CD to the best pianists in the world. One is not doing a review, but a comparison to legends, it's like trying to drown an ocean, there's no point in writing it. Online reviewers should at least have learned and performed the pieces herein before writing about them, so they know what they're talking about. Listening to different pianists and recordings does NOT automatically make you an expert in criticizing them.

Having said that, this CD brings out it's own unique flavor to the classical music world. Every pianist is allowed to express themselves in their own unique way, just like artists are allowed to paint whatever they like and everyone still calls it art!

Think of a piano piece as a painting, composed with the added element of time. It is flowing, never the same and always unique, that's what makes every recording of it so different and special, but the fundamental elements in the core of the piece remains the same.

Simon Trpceski is technically flawless in piano playing. The speed and skill at which he handles these pieces, which are not easy by the way, is amazing and you just wonder how he gets his 10 fingers to fly around the keyboard like that.

However, I did feel that the Sonata was played a little faster than usual in the beginning, but it was compensated for with varying speeds and interesting changes in tone throughout all 4 movements.

The Scherzi were incredible, No.2 and 3 just blew my mind away with the way he managed to contrast the colors in each of the different sections, AND fly all over the place with those running passages, how is that humanly possible? Chopin's 4 Scherzi were always dark and very dramatic, never meant as jokes and I think Simon has managed to pull it off marvelously.

Chopin was too weak to play all his loud (FF to FFF) sections, so he compensated for it by feeling it. He couldn't possibly handle the speed at which the Sonata or Scherzi were played at in this CD, but I'm sure he would be very happy with the results.

OK, but where is Chopin, where is artistry?.......2007-04-10

While this is a respectable and mostly competent recording, it is light years behind such artistic achievements as Ivo Pogorelich (DG) and Mikhail Pletnev (Virgin), just to name a few.
There is nothing new in these readings, which makes the CD redundant. The Finale of the great b-flat minor Sonata reminds a Czerny Etude rather than a dry sand storm over the graves. And the Scherzi, while technically assured, bring no musical revelation or innovation. Most of it is simply too loud and fast, and the passage work sounds more like Liszt rather than Chopin. There is little elegance and grace in these performances. Just hear the best recordings of the Sonata and Scherzi and compare. Unfortunately, this EMI release does not stand much of a chance.

Average customer rating:

Frederic Chopin: Scherzos & Mazurkas

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000026NW
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Scherzos: Op. 20: Presto con fuoco (B Minor)
Scherzos: Op. 31: Presto (B-Flat Minor)
Scherzos: Op. 39: Presto con fuoco (C-Sharp Minor)
Scherzos: Op. 54: Presto (E Major)
Mazurkas: Op. 6, No. 2: (C-sharp Minor)
Mazurkas: Op. 24, No. 2: Allegro ma non troppo (C Major)
Mazurkas: Op. 56, No. 3: Moderato (C Minor)
Mazurkas: Op. 59, No. 1: Moderato (A Minor)
Mazurkas: Op. 59, No. 2: Allegretto (A-Flat Major)
Mazurkas: Op. 59, No. 3: Vivace (F-Sharp Minor)

Chopin: The Complete Mazurkas and Scherzos

Average customer rating:

Chopin: The Complete Mazurkas and Scherzos

Manufacturer: Aura Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00009KU8Y
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Chopin: Valses; Impromptus; Ballades; Scherzos [United Kingdom]

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Performances
Francois : the supreme poet !

Chopin: Valses; Impromptus; Ballades; Scherzos [United Kingdom]
Samson Francois
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Chopin: Nocturnes; Preludes [United Kingdom]

ASIN: B00006487E
Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

Valse No. 1 In E-Flat Major
Valse No. 2 In A-Flat Major, Op. 34 No. 1 'Valse Brillante'
Valse No. 3 In A Minor. Op 34 No. 2
Valse No. 4 In F Major, Op. 24 No. 3 'Valse Brillante'
Valse No. 5 Grande Valse in A-Flat Major Op. 42
Valse No. 6 In D-Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 1
Valse No. 7 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 64 No. 2
Valse No. 8 In A-Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 3
Valse No. 9 In A-Flat Major, Op. 69 No. 1
Valse No. 10 In B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
Valse No. 11 In G-flat Major, Op. 70 No. 1
Valse No. 12 In F Minor, Op. 70 No. 2
Valse No. 13 In D-Flat Major, Op. 70 No. 3
Valse No. 14 In E Minor, Op. Posth.
Impromptu No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 29
Impromptu No. 2 In F-Sharp Major, Op. 36
Impromptu No. 3 In G-Flat Major, Op. 51
Impromptu No. 4 In C-Sharp Minor Op. 66 'Fantasie-Impromtu'

Tracks:

Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23
Ballade No. 2 In F Major, Op. 38
Ballade No. 3 In A-Flat Major, Op. 47
Ballade No. 4 In F Minor, Op. 52
Scherzo No. 1 In B Minor, Op. 20
Scherzo No. 2 In B-Flat Minor, Op. 31
Scherzo No. 3 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39
Scherzo No. 4 In E Major, Op. 54

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Performances.......2007-03-26

This Francois CD of the Chopin waltzes seems to get better each time I listen. The sound of the recording is decidely superior to the Lipatti, and so I tend to give this out as a gift when I want to send someone a CD of the waltzes in better sound. Francois really is as described: both aristocratic and poetic, and what's even more important, engaging and brilliant too. There are only a few moments when I find him too indulgent with the tempo; this is my first choice in reasonably modern sound. (These were recorded in the early sixties in Paris.)
The other selections are of an equally high standard, but I generally come back to the waltzes, recorded performances of which I rarely find satisfying. After Lipatti this quite possibly is the best recorded performance.
If you already have a CD of the waltzes and are considering another one you should find this one a very good addition!

Francois : the supreme poet !.......2004-09-30

Samson Francois was one of the most talented and high gifted pianists of his generation . He was a self convinced and deeply honest artist . He will never give you a trivial performing .
This set is admirable . The Waltzes are superb , specially the Valse op. 64 No. 2 , The Brilliant Waltz and the minute Waltz .
His arpegios are composed of a perfect balance between intelect and emotion involved by a wisdom and irreverent vision ; his powerful articulation , his deep commitment and the eloquent expressiveness are some of his most remarkable virtues.
The ballads are splendid . The second and third are unique ; the first has better versions in the market (Michelangeli of the fifties in Praga live concert) , Teresa Carreño and William Kapell (1952) in a weird live performing. The fourth ballade is of Casadesus ; he is a winner .
The Impromptus are really interesting ; because Francois literally enriches them and reveals some unknown and unthinkable aspects of its inner values . Usually these are pages of neglected and unfair considerations for the most of the pianists . The Op. 66 is the most famous , but there is not a special interest for playing them for the najorityof the players.
Wonderful artist and unforgettable performings .

Music Review: