FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN (1810-1849)

 

The Complete Preludes

 

24 Préludes Op. 28

1-24

Nocturnes Op. 62

25 No. 1 in B major. Andante

H-dur - en si majeur

26 No. 2 in E major. Lento

E-dur - en mi majeur

 

Rafal Blechacz

 

Polish pianist Rafal Blechacz (pronounced Rafow Blehatchz), born on 30 June 1985, has been cited by critics as one of those talents that only come along every few decades. His playing is characterized by its elegance, delicacy, and a poetic solemnity that has invited comparison to the legendary pianists of the early 20th century, including Krystian Zimerman, who is a Blechacz supporter and mentor (he has worked with him on the programme of his debut DG album).

 

Blechacz burst on the scene with a sensational victory at the famed Warsaw Chopin Competition in October 2005 – the jury awarded him not only the rarely given first prize but also all four special prizes for best sonata, mazurka, concerto, and polonaise performance. Since then, Blechacz has performed all over Europe and Japan to highest critical acclaim and already ensured himself a huge following among piano aficionados.

 

Blechacz’s first album for Deutsche Grammophon is a recording of the complete Chopin Preludes – one of Chopin’s most lyrical and best-known piano cycles and the perfect programme to introduce the audience to the artistry of this exceptional young pianist. The Preludes are coupled with the two Nocturnes Op. 62, arguably the climax of Chopin’s achievements in this genre.

 

“Pure magic, filigree detailing and gorgeous trills and turns. He has an almost feminine elegance and a command of technique that allows him to print a personal inflection even on a cascade of notes…How reassuring it is to see one so young putting poetry first…we were all on another planet.” Financial Times (London), August 2006.

 

Deutsche Grammophon 4776592