1949-51 CHOPIN
Nocturne No 2 in E flat major Op.9/2; Nocturne No 4 in F major Op 15/1; Nocturne No 7 in C sharp minor Op 27/1; Etude in E major Op 10/3; Etude in C sharp minor Op 10/4; Etude in F minor Op 25/2; Trois Nouvelles Etudes; Barcarolle in F sharp minor Op 60; Prelude No 15 in D flat major Op 28 (Raindrop); Prelude No 25 in C sharp minor Op 45; Berceuse in D flat major Op 57; Waltz No 3 in A minor Op 34/2; Waltz No 6 in D flat major Op 64/1 (Minute); Waltz No 9 in A flat major Op 69/1; Waltz No 9 in A flat major Op 69/1; Waltz No 11 in G flat major Op 70/1; Waltz No 12 in F minor Op 70/2
1950 MENDELSSOHN
Variations sérieuses in D minor Op 54
This third volume of Cortot’s late recordings once again shows that their neglect has been unjustified. Chopin has always been the composer with whom Cortot was most identified and here we have a wonderful selection of mainly popular works which show off the pianist’s trademark lyrical playing to the full. Of particular interest to collectors are the Chopin titles from 1951 which have generally not yet appeared on any CD transfer; six of these titles were issued in the UK only as 78’s or 45rpm discs, both formats that did not last, another five were only issued in the USA on a RCA Victor LP, but as the relationship between EMI and RCA ceased shortly after these too had a very short life in the catalogue. The CD is completed with a fine performance of the Mendelssohn Variations sérieuses, another Cortot favorite.
APR5573 Available on Compact Disc, as a Digital Download and to Stream