A Chopin feather in the Sudbin cap

Yevgeny Sudbin works his magic on three well-contrasted Chopin pieces on a recording that satisfies aurally and musically.

Composer: Chopin
Repertoire:  Fantaisie in F minor, Ballades Nos 3 and 4, Mazurkas, Nocturnes

Artists: Yevgeny Sudbin (pf)
Rating:  5/5
Genre: Instrumental
Label: BIS BIS-SACD-1838


The Music: A thoughtfully-chosen and well-contrasted Chopin recital from this acclaimed pianist, ending with his own virtuoso take on the
‘Minute’ Waltz in the style of Rachmaninov.

The Performance: Immediately, within the first few bars of the opening Fantaisie in F minor, you are aware of the particularly sumptuous, golden piano tone Sudbin produces. Among the many superlative performances, the Fantaisie stands out. Its central chorale section is ineffably touching by being played without striving for effect, a quality that applies also to the impassioned torment and final resignation of the great C minor Nocturne. Sudbin tells us in his eloquent notes how much he admires the great Ignaz Freidman. His influence can be heard in the five exquisitely phrased Mazurkas and Ballades Nos 3 and 4.

The Verdict: Among many outstanding Chopin recitals in the past two years celebrating the composer’s bicentenary, 
this one is among the very best, meticulously prepared yet spontaneous and freshly-minted.

Want More? Sudbin’s highly-praised disc of solo Rachmaninov includes his Variations on a theme of Chopin, Piano Sonata No.2 and song transcriptions (BIS, BIS-SACD-1518).