Etudes Op 25 / Sonata 2 Op 35 [Import]

Chopin (Artist), Sokolov (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 12, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Opus 111
• ASIN: B00004Y9X3
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #691,161 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: I. Grave. Doppio Movt

2. Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: II. Scherzo

3. Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: III. Marche Funebre

4. Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: IV. Presto

5. Etudes, Op.25: No.1 Allegro Sostenuto

6. Etudes, Op.25: No.2 Presto

7. Etudes, Op.25: No.3 Allegro

8. Etudes, Op.25: No.4 Agitato

9. Etudes, Op.25: No.5 Vivace. Piu Lento

10. Etudes, Op.25: No.6 Allegro

11. Etudes, Op.25: No.7 Lento

12. Etudes, Op.25: No.8 Vivace

13. Etudes, Op.25: No.9 Assai Allegro

14. Etudes, Op.25: No.10 Allegro Con Fuoco

15. Etudes, Op.25: No.11 Lento

16. Etudes, Op.25: No.12 Allegro Molto E Con Fuoco

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary Chopin, December 16, 2000

By 

Michael Whincop (GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, QLD AUSTRALIA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Etudes Op 25 / Sonata 2 Op 35 (Audio CD)

Sokolov's Chopin on CD runs to two disks -- the preludes and this disk. Both are essential acquisitions. This disk is based on live performances from 1985 in Russia and 1992 in Paris. The Sonata opens the disk. It is a performance of extraordinary intensity -- one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking ever recorded, from its stern opening to its ghostly ending. It nonetheless achieves its intensity without distorting the musical fabric as Kissin does in his recent recording of this work. The first and second movements are fiery, but this passion makes way for the poignant lyric theme in the first movement and the trio in the second. The funeral march is very broad and solemn, one of the longest on disk. It doesn't quite match the vehemence Fiorentino and Rachmaninov (the latter using Rubinstein's dynamics) brought to the work, but there is no other recording that comes close. The finale is, as I said, ghostly, modernistic and ambiguous. In short, a performance of surpassing excellence.

The Etudes are in the same class. All too often one hears Etudes performed as exercises in virtuosity, played dramatically, but without the depth that induces one to return to them. This is very much the antidote for that sort of playing. Sokolov's performances sound completely original, the product of years of lavished attention. The "fun" pieces, like the G flat, come off with wit and elegance. Even in the most ferociously demanding pages, he emerges triumphant, and no. 12 brings the set to a triumphant close -- for once, not an anticlimax after the Winter Wind has blown out. Although it's a pity we don't have his op. 10, this disk is surely on the shortest of short lists of great Chopin playing. I also recommend the Fiorentino Newport recital, and Sofronitsky's Chopin disk in the GPE

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Needs a sixth star -- Phenomenal., April 17, 2003

By 

pluto1999 "pluto1999" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Etudes Op 25 / Sonata 2 Op 35 (Audio CD)

Sokolov takes his place on the short list of great pianists of the century with this overwhelming (LIVE) performance of the Chopin Etudes Op. 25. Interpretations full of genius, (I rarely use that word) unexpected but breathtakingly compelling readings. Technique on the order of Richter swept up in the pursuit of the music. Just buy it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Dazzling playing!, February 14, 2008

By 

Scriabinmahler (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Etudes Op 25 / Sonata 2 Op 35 (Audio CD)

Of all live recordings by Sokolov, I think this one is best, for unlike some of other recordings, it is relatively free from his grandiose mannerism, and his technical brilliance is highlighted in Etudes and the last movement of the sonata. Ab major Etude no.1 is handled beautifully with left hand part clearly articulated. The last two etudes display his daring virtuosity to the full. There are musically richer performances of Etudes by Anievas, Richter, Rubinstein etc, but if you are after thrilling virtuosity, you won't be disappointed.