COMPOSERS: Chopin
LABELS: Decca Classic Sound
WORKS: Vol. 1: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor; Impromptus; Vol. 2: Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor; Ballade No. 3
PERFORMER: Wilhelm Kempff (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 452 307-2/ 452 308-2 ADD (1958/59)
Wilhelm Kempff was one of the gentlest of the great pianists. The Third Scherzo isn’t the sort of thing he excelled at. In the sonatas, he doesn’t hit dramatic high spots either, but his ability to awake quieter depths seems endless. Many would die for his velvet tone. No pianist was more sensitive to the expressive possibilities of Chopin’s melodies. The Impromptus, Barcarolle and single Nocturne here are all inimitable. Two lovely discs, evoking a less hectic, more mellow world. Adrian Jack
Chopin: Vol. 1: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor; Impromptus; Vol. 2: Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor; Ballade No. 3
Wilhelm Kempff was one of the gentlest of the great pianists. The Third Scherzo isn’t the sort of thing he excelled at. In the sonatas, he doesn’t hit dramatic high spots either, but his ability to awake quieter depths seems endless. Many would die for his velvet tone. No pianist was more sensitive to the expressive possibilities of Chopin’s melodies. The Impromptus, Barcarolle and single Nocturne here are all inimitable. Two lovely discs, evoking a less hectic, more mellow world. Adrian Jack
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:38 pm