A New Talent to Watch Out For

Ingrid Fliter shows a fine touch with Chopin.

Composer: Chopin
Repertoire: Piano Sonata No.3; Ballade No.4; Grande valse brilliante in E flat; Waltzes Op.64, Nos 1-3; Mazurkas Op.59, Nos 2 and 3; Barcarolle, Op.60
Artists: Ingrid Fliter (piano)
Rating: 4/5

Genre: Instrumental
Label: EMI Classics 514 8992

This is the much-anticipated debut EMI disc from the much-flaunted Argentine pianist Ingrid Fliter and a fine recording it is too – but not a great one. This disc reveals Chopin playing of memorable eloquence and poetry. One can hardly imagine the problematic slow movement of the Piano Sonata No.3 played better, the hackneyed Grande valse brillante and ‘Minute’ Waltz (Op.64, No.1) sound freshly minted and the three contrasting Mazurkas are winningly characterised. The Sonata’s finale, however, is played at too uniform a level and the Ballade is too fussy by half, over-pedalled with excessive rubato and the narrative flow interrupted. Nevertheless, Fliter is a genuine piano poet and a name to watch.