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Harmonia Mundi now has released Chopin recitals by two very different pianists, both alumni of the Van Cliburn Piano Competition. In 1991, Frederic Chiu distinguished himself by his early and controversial exit; he has since become an artist of some note, still exploring the repertoire that made him an outsider. Jon Nakamatsu, of course, claimed the gold medal in the 1997 Van Cliburn competition, with some detractors saying that he was much less interesting than other finalists.
On this disc, Nakamatsu plays an ambitious recital of Chopin's signature character pieces. The famed "Fantaisie-Impromptu," the two A-keyed polonaises, and the "Berceuse" have been recorded by scores of other pianists. Nakamatsu goes head-to-head with some greats, and for the most part he does not suffer in comparison. He is blessed with a noble, round tone and his phrasing flows with a natural, lyrical style. Despite Chopin's flights of fancy, Nakamatsu remains an artist in control. His interpretations have the slightly four-square character of the musical centrist, the artist reluctant to make the notes say anything more than they literally are. Considering the quality of Chopin's music, that is hardly an interpretative choice to be deplored. Good notes and excellent, close-up sound.
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Harmonia Mundi now has released Chopin recitals by two very…
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On this disc, Nakamatsu plays an ambitious recital of Chopin's signature character pieces. The famed "Fantaisie-Impromptu," the two A-keyed polonaises, and the "Berceuse" have been recorded by scores of other pianists. Nakamatsu goes head-to-head with some greats, and for the most part he does not suffer in comparison. He is blessed with a noble, round tone and his phrasing flows with a natural, lyrical style. Despite Chopin's flights of fancy, Nakamatsu remains an artist in control. His interpretations have the slightly four-square character of the musical centrist, the artist reluctant to make the notes say anything more than they literally are. Considering the quality of Chopin's music, that is hardly an interpretative choice to be deplored. Good notes and excellent, close-up sound.
CHOPIN: FANTASY ON POLISH AIRS; FOUR IMPROMPTUS; THREE MAZURKAS; ETC.
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