Chopin: The Four Ballades, Berceuse, Barcarolle, Scherzo No. 4

Chopin: The Four Ballades, Berceuse, Barcarolle, Scherzo No. 4

Ever since the start of his career as a sensational child prodigy, Kissin has displayed a strong affinity for the music of Chopin, in concert and on numerous records. Here he performs a program of substantial pieces: the four ballades, written several years apart and not conceived as a group, which nevertheless complement one another through their contrasts as well as their shared narrative and descriptive atmosphere; the lovely, peaceful berceuse; the swaying, rocking barcarolle; and the brilliant, witty Scherzo No. 4. Throughout, Kissin's effortless virtuosity, his beautiful, singing tone, his command of voicing, dynamics, touch, color, and legato are phenomenal; cascades of notes flow from under his fingers with the speed and glittering lightness of dancing waters; his build-ups achieve orchestral sonorities. Musically, he seems to have lost some of his irresistible earlier spontaneity; the dramatic nature of the ballades encourages exaggeration, and the liberties sound a bit planned. However, the berceuse is a simple, expressive lullaby; the barcarolle surges to a grand climax; the scherzo sparkles with humor--its middle part projects a plaintive, ardent yearning. --Edith Eisler
Country USA
Brand RCA RED SEAL
Manufacturer Sony Classical
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 090266325924
Model 2025909
ReleaseDate 1999-05-18
UnitCount 1
UPCs 090266325924
EANs 0009026632592

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