Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C minor; Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor; Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor; Mazurkas, Op. 17; Études, Op. 25/3, 4, 10, 11 & Op. 10/6

COMPOSERS: Chopin
LABELS: Virgin
WORKS: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C minor; Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor; Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor; Mazurkas, Op. 17; Études, Op. 25/3, 4, 10, 11 & Op. 10/6
PERFORMER: Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: VMD 5 61317 2 DDD (1992)

The rarity here is the C minor Sonata, a 17-year-old’s essay in the grand manner which offers barely a hint of things to come. Leif Ove Andsnes makes as strong a case for it as one could wish, and he is eloquent in the two mature sonatas. A selection of mazurkas and studies rounds off this fine disc, all the more impressive for having been made when Andsnes was only 21. The recording, from the Maltings at Snape, is superb. Misha Donat