Frédéric Chopin - Polonaises (Maurizio Pollini)

Information

Composer: Frédéric Chopin

1. 2 Polonaises, Op. 26: No. 1 in C sharp minor
2. 2 Polonaises, Op. 26: No. 2 in E flat minor
3. 2 Polonaises, Op. 40: No. 1 in A major "Military"
4. 2 Polonaises, Op. 40: No. 2 in C minor
5. Polonaise in F sharp minor, Op. 44
6. Polonaise in A flat major, Op. 53 "Heroic"
7. Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat major, Op. 61

Maurizio Pollini, piano

Date: 1975

Label: Deutsche Grammophon

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Review

This is Pollini in all his early glory, in expertly transferred performances. Shorn of all virtuoso compromise or indulgence, the majestic force of his command is indissolubly integrated with the seriousness of his heroic impulse. Rarely will you be compelled into such awareness of the underlying malaise beneath the outward and nationalist defiance of the Polonaises. The tension and menace at the start of No 2 are almost palpable, its storming and disconsolate continuation made a true mirror of Poland's clouded history. The C minor Polonaise's denouement, too, emerges with a chilling sense of finality, and Pollini's way with the pounding audacity commencing at 3'00" in the epic F sharp minor Polonaise is like some ruthless prophecy of every percussive, anti-lyrical gesture to come. At 7'59" Chopin's flame-throwing interjections are volcanic, and if there's ample poetic delicacy and compensation (notably in the Polonaise-fantaisie, always among Chopin's most profoundly speculative masterpieces), it's the more elemental side of his genius, his 'canons' rather than 'flowers' that are made to sear and haunt the memory.

Other pianists may be more outwardly beguiling, but Pollini's magnificently unsettling Chopin can be as imperious and unarguable as any on record. That his performances are also deeply moving is a tribute to his unique status.

— Bryce Morrison

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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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Maurizio Pollini (5 January 1942 – 23 March 2024) was an Italian pianist. After winning the 1959 Ettore Pozzoli Piano Competition and 1960 Chopin Piano Competition, he built a distinguished career performing with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide. Renowned for his interpretations of Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy, Pollini also championed contemporary composers and premiered several important new works. A lifelong Deutsche Grammophon artist, Pollini received numerous honors, including a Grammy Award, the Diapason d'Or de l'Année, and Gramophone Hall of Fame's induction.

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