Product Description
British concert pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith celebrates the music of Frederick Chopin in this attractive solo piano disc. This recording heralds a ground-breaking cycle of recitals to be given by the artist in 2015 of Chopin’s complete works for solo piano. Chopin: Souvenirsfeatures anwell-grouped collection of some of the composers best-loved works including the Fantasy Impromptu, studies, waltzes, nocturnes, preludes and the mighty Ballade no. 1 in G minor. However, the programme of the disc centres around the glittering Souvenirs de Paganini, written when the composer was still a teenager after having heard the legendary violinist in concert.
slchai – :
July 2013
Chopin “Souvenirs”
Warren Mailley-Smith (piano)
Fanfare magazine (USA)
“…any pianist who can overcome my ambivalence towards Chopin and gain my rapt attention for nearly an hour-long program of his works deserves special notice. Mailley-Smith is such a pianist.
For one thing, by mixing pieces of different types and alternating slow and fast numbers, Mailley-Smith’s recital provides the listener with variety and balance. It also provides the pianist with myriad opportunities to display both his technical prowess and his poetical sensibilities. In neither area does he disappoint. His “Revolutionary Etude” and G-Minor Ballad, for example, are quite electrifying, while his “Raindrop Prélude” and D flat Major Nocturne are truly heartfelt and touching.
The immaculate acoustics of the Champs Hill hall pick up Mailley-Smith’s Steinway with unusual purity and transparency, making this an all-around very desirable and strongly recommended release”. Jerry Dubins