Customer Reviews

24 Preludes Opus 28

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

According to the CD booklet, Freire plays the Preludes, not the Ballades. Listening to the music, I believe it. Freire has a distinctive (and gorgeous) piano tone that is quite recognizable. He also phrases Chopin in a very natural manner: his rubato is dictated by musical logic, not whim. These preludes certainly fit the pattern -- they are the most beautiful I know of, after Cortot. The ballades, on the other hand, are decent but not distinguished. I know of a number of performances I prefer. At this price, however, this disk is worth buying for the luminous preludes alone.

I rate the Entremont ballades very highly. It could be because it was the first complete set that I ever heard. I may be biased and I am not a musician. But I think there is a passion which is missing in the performances of some more famous pianists. I used to have the vinyl disc version, then I bought a CD version, which was borrowed and never returned by a friend, and now I am trying to track down another CD version if I can.

I love Philippe Entremont's performance of the Chopin Ballades. He always plays with lots of soul. Buy this CD, you won't regret it.