In this recording, Jan Michiels transports us back to the Parisian salons of the 19th century. These were not only an ideal environment for Chopin – his Préludes op. 28 are a recurring thread throughout this album – but also for Debussy, whose Préludes are closely correlated with those of Chopin. Michiels opens his salon to various visitors: first Alfred Cortot, whose Chopin interpretations captivated generations of pianists, then György Ligeti and finally his friend György Kurtág. Michiels likes to dream that the 1894 Érard grand piano on which the Préludes by Chopin and Debussy were recorded might once have adorned a salon that Proust visited.
“I wondered whether music was not the only example of how souls might have communicated if language had not been invented, words formulated and ideas analysed. It is like a possibility that has not been acted upon."
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), Préludes op. 28 Claude Debussy (1862-1918), Préludes Book 1 & 2 György Ligeti (1923-2006), Études pour piano Book 1 & 2 (selected works) György Kurtág (*1926), Játékok Book 5 & 9 (selected works)16 other products in the same category:
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Alejo de los Reyes had his first experience of playing the guitar in Argentina with his parents, who were classical guitar players and teachers. In his parents’ home, Argentine folk music was part of every celebration and every gathering, and the tango was his grandfather’s favourite music. During his studies, De los Reyes played alternately in classical concert halls and tango salons. After...
Oxalys is one of Belgium leading chamber music groups who specialises in the repertoire of the 20th century.
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