Chopin Piano Sonata No. 2, 12 Etudes Op 10, Barcarolle

CD release of Nelson Freire's Chopin album which was originally released as SACD 475 6617 [SACD no longer available]

The keenly anticipated second album of Chopin from incomparable Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire reveals a pianist of rare insight and power as well as breathtaking technical maturity.

It has been said that great Chopin performances require elegance, passion, glamour and strength - qualities which are all evident in the supreme performances of Nelson Freire.

The Chopin disc which marked the beginning of Nelson Freire's association with Decca (470 2882) was greeted worldwide with tremendous critical acclaim and amazement that so great a pianist could be so little known. Freire was described as 'classical music's best kept secret'.

Chopin's Etudes are central to nineteenth century piano repertoire. Never for a moment does he let us forget that these are studies - in arpeggios, octaves, thirds or sixths - nor does he allow the pianist any rest or complacency.

The famous Funeral March of the Second Sonata Op. 35 was composed in 1837, two years before the rest of the Sonata, but its heroic sense of elegy was to stay with Chopin and echo through the dark poetry of the companion movements. It is not surprising that this has become one of his best-loved works. There's a surprise embedded in Freier's interpretation of the 'Funeral March' movement!

Finally, the Barcarolle (1845-46), an idealised Nocturne, is for many among the most miraculous of all Chopin's works. The barcarolle rhythm supports a sumptuous decorated melody and carries the listener along on one of his most revelatory magic carpet-rides.