Cortot: The Late Recordings, Vol.4 (1951,53-54)
) | Label: APR Catalog: APR5574 Format: CD Alfred Cortot (1877-1962), pianoChopin: Nocturne No. 5 in F sharp major, Op. 15 No. 2 - 30 June or 1 July 1954 / Étude Op. 10 No. 5 in G flat major 'Black Key' - 29 June 1954 / Étude Op. 25 No. 2 in F minor - 29 June 1954 / Étude Op. 25 No. 9 in G flat major 'Butterfly' - 29 June 1954 / Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35 'Marche funèbre': 3rd movement (Funeral March) - 8 May 1953 / Tarantella in A flat major, Op. 43 - 30 June or 1 July 1954 / Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58 (Largo) - 28 June 1954 / Waltz No. 7 in C sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2 - 30 June or 1 July 1954 This fourth volume of late Cortot completes APR's survey of the post-war recordings which the pianist made for EMI in the UK. We are now entering the era of tape recording, and apart from the Deutsche Ländler of 1951, all the other titles, which date from 1953-54, were recorded in this new medium. This gave the artist new freedom, as he was not restricted to the length of a 78rpm side for each take, and Cortot tackled much of his 'big' repertoire again. Sadly, by this time his failing health meant that many works remained unissued as they did not meet the standards of his earlier magnificent versions, however some old warehouses did stand the test of time, as can be heard in the Carnival featured here. His playing may have become technically more fallible but the performances fully support the claim of the late Thomas Manshardt, one of Cortot's last pupils, that this period of Cortot's career "is his greatest in thought and warmth and mastery'.  Price: $25.98 |