Pogorelich and Chopin Op. 55 #2
Ben Laude's interview with Emanuel Ax talking about Arrau and the late Chopin E flat Nocturne (op. 55 #2) was interesting. I have been working on this piece for several years, but before I started I searched YouTube for a recording that I could use for inspiration. I had already owned the Arrau recording for decades, but it hadn't quite spurred me to play the piece. Then I found the recording by Pogorelich, and that pushed me over the edge. I understand it's a bit controversial, perhaps because of the slow tempo and the very prominent right hand. But I love it. Every note seems perfectly thought out and executed, and the left hand is so delicate. Here it is:
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Ivo Pogorelić (or Pogorelich) is well known for his controversial interpretations. In 1980 he entered Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland. Not only he performed in leather pants, which back in time was outrageous, but also his performance led several members of jury to quit. One of the jurors to quit was Martha Argerich herself, as she was furious because such a genius didn’t make it to the finals. You can read about his career on Wikipedia, but the leather pants part is a first-hand info, directly from my aunt, who as a piano professor was there in 1980. He still performs, and he kept his authentic style. And his interpretations still divide music community - either people love them, or not at all.
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Aleksandra Bogomaz Thanks for that very interesting info. And speaking of Argerich and the Chopin competition, I understand she was responsible for moving Kate Liu down to 3rd place in 2015. I'm also working on the Nocturne Op. 62 #1, and Liu's performance of that piece from the competition is my favorite by far -- incredibly beautiful.
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If you're not familiar with Friedman's, I can highly recommend it.
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Jane Fleming I do remember seeing that video when it came out. Friedman is great with the duet voices, but I find it way too fast. That's just me; I'm not a huge fan of speed. Another example is the Prelude from Ravel's Le Tombeau. Most pianists race through it; my favorite recording is one that slows it down so you actually hear the notes.
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I’m about to start with Nocturne op. 15 no 2. I’m still listening different interpretations (Paderewski, Rubinstein etc.). If you have any suggestions, it would be incredibly appreciated.
