Beethoven; Chopin; Debussy - Piano Works (Sviatoslav Richter)

Information

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven; Frédéric Chopin; Claude Debussy

1. Beethoven - Andante favori in F major, WoO 57
2. Chopin - 3 Waltzes, Op. 34 "Valses brillantes": No. 1 in A flat major
3. Chopin - 3 Waltzes, Op. 34 "Valses brillantes": No. 2 in A minor
4. Chopin - 3 Waltzes, Op. 34 "Valses brillantes": No. 3 in F major
5. Chopin - Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 31
6. Chopin - Barcarolle in F sharp major, Op. 60
7. Debussy - Suite bergamasque, L. 75: 1. Prélude
8. Debussy - Suite bergamasque, L. 75: 2. Meneut
9. Debussy - Suite bergamasque, L. 75: 3. Clair de lune
10. Debussy - Suite bergamasque, L. 75: 4. Passepied
11. Debussy - Estampes,  L. 100: 1. Pagodes
12. Debussy - Estampes,  L. 100: 2. La soirée dans Grenade
13. Debussy - Estampes,  L. 100: 3. Jardins sous la pluie

Sviatoslav Richter, piano

Date: 1977

Label: Orfeo

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Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers. Beethoven is acknowledged as a giant of classical music, and his influence on subsequent generations was profound. His best-known compositions include 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 1 violin concerto, 32 piano sonatas and 16 string quartets. Many of his most admired works come from the last decade of his life, when he was almost completely deaf.

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Frédéric Chopin (1 March 1810 – 17 October 1849) was a Polish Romantic composer and virtuoso pianist. A prodigy from Warsaw, he moved to Paris at 21, where he spent the rest of his short life. Although often in poor health, he produced a remarkable body of piano-centered works, including nocturnes, mazurkas, waltzes, polonaises, études and two piano concertos. His music, which is known for technical brilliance and innovative harmony, helped shape musical nationalism and late-Romantic style. Chopin's iconic status, dramatic life, and early death made him one of the enduring symbols of the Romantic era.

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Claude Debussy (22 August 1862 – 25 March 1918) was a French composer who was among the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His orchestral works include Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (1894), Nocturnes (1897–1899), Images (1905–1912), and La mer (1903–1905). His piano works include sets of 24 Préludes and 12 Études. Throughout his career Debussy also wrote mélodies based on a wide variety of poetry, including his own. His works have strongly influenced a wide range of composers including Béla Bartók, Olivier Messiaen, George Benjamin, and the jazz musician Bill Evans.

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Sviatoslav Richter (March 20 [O.S. March 7] 1915 – August 1, 1997) was a Soviet pianist known for the depth of his interpretations, virtuoso technique, and vast repertoire. He is considered one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Richter worked tirelessly to learn new pieces. His vast repertoire, around eighty different programs, not counting chamber works, ranged from Handel and Bach to Szymanowski, Berg, Webern, Stravinsky, Bartók, Hindemith, Britten, and Gershwin. Despite his large discography, Richter disliked the recording process, and most of Richter's recordings originate from live performances.

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