[Note: the following is an automatic translation of the Polish review into English. With the kind permission of the author.]
A unique atmosphere and emotions – the "nocturnal sides" of Fryderyk Chopin's music.
Originally, there was supposed to be a review of a completely different recording here, one that fits into the grand symphonic works that I have recently been listening to. However, on impulse, I decided to change the plan and turn my attention to a completely different repertoire. I could use a little break from dealing with orchestras, conductors, and the scores of monumental works, and turning to the timeless and always beautiful music of Fryderyk Chopin is never a bad idea, especially since I haven't touched on it here in a long time. It's time to catch up, at least in part!
The occasion is an album, the 22nd recorded for the Tacet label by the outstanding Russian pianist Evgeni Koroliov, who, although born and educated in his homeland, has lived in Germany for many years, where he actively performs and teaches. It is there that the musician records for various labels – previously for Profil and Hänssler, among others, but for a long time he has been associated with the publisher based in Stuttgart, which releases a special series of recordings dedicated to the virtuoso. Some of these albums have already been reviewed on the blog. This particular album was recorded five years ago, while its official market release took place in 2020.
The presented album is the third release dedicated to the music of Fryderyk Chopin performed by the pianist and seems to relate, in some way, to the previous one, which featured works of various genres. In this recording, which also displays a diversity of repertoire, two aspects play an important role. The subtitle „Feuilles nocturnes“ directs the listener's attention towards the night, especially to works that are organically linked to this mysterious and special time of day, as indicated in their titles. It is no surprise, then, that the selected „Nocturnes“ are the most numerous pieces on this album.
Additionally, the collected material has important biographical references. As Evgeni Koroliov himself admits, the compositions presented accompanied him in his childhood, to which he now returns many years later as a mature and experienced artist. In this context, one can understand the selection of works that, on one hand, present a certain technical and interpretive challenge, such as the more or less "easy" „Etudes“ or the popular „Waltzes“, which captivate the interest of every young piano student, who sooner or later faces the difficult, yet artistically significant miniatures – the „Mazurkas“.
This is how the selected compositions, chosen with taste and according to the artist's personal judgment, can be described. They are also performed freely, with emotion, and in a decidedly personal manner. These qualities speak strongly in favor of the interpretation, which can undoubtedly arouse not only the interest but even the admiration of lovers of great piano music. A kind of overview of Chopin's most atmospheric and lyrical works is ensured by the careful selection of „Nocturnes“, which, although not arranged chronologically on the album, offer the listener a chance to trace the development of style and genre – from the youthful „Lento con gran espressione“ and the first piece of Op. 9 to the absolute masterpiece of his mature period: the true musical poem, also extended in terms of time (almost 8 minutes), hidden under the name of the „Nocturne in B major“, Op. 62 No. 1. These works sound beautiful, and the carefully crafted narrative, the conscious choice of tempi, and the exceptional sensitivity of Evgeni Koroliov make listening to them a unique experience, a true feast for the senses.
This is further confirmed by the selected „Waltzes“, marked by their elegance and melancholy. The artist presents the best performance quality in them, and in the popular „Waltz in C-sharp minor“, Op. 64 No. 3, he consistently leads the narrative and does not resort to extreme acceleration in the middle section, staying true to the score and the composer's intentions.
The choice of pedagogical works is also interesting. The beautiful and atmospheric „Etude in E-flat minor“, Op. 10 No. 6, does not present significant technical difficulties, unlike other works of this genre, but this does not mean it is trivial or "easy." The concentration and expression in Evgeni Koroliov's playing attest to the importance and potential of this piece. The narrative liveliness and expressive variety are introduced by the first two „Etudes“ from Op. 25, performed in a way that deserves great recognition: technically exemplary, with a clearly defined narrative that takes into account the rich accompaniment and melody. What a significant experience it must have been for a young pianist to tackle these compositions – and what joy to play them from beginning to end without mistakes!
The listener returns to a moving and reflective mood when hearing the selected „Mazurkas“, which are Chopin's most personal form of expression. It is no surprise in this context that Chopin did not intend some of them for publication, as this was not due to any lack of quality. Indeed, in these small lyrical masterpieces, the "soul, and what a soul!" of the composer is most evident, which can be heard both in the unpublished „Mazurka in A minor“, as well as in the two other well-known and astonishingly refined examples of the combination of folk inspiration and the originality of the genius composer.
The entire album program exudes a sense of melancholy and the lyricism and romantic mood typical of Fryderyk Chopin's works. However, the individual pieces are not played mechanically or in the same manner; each of them captures attention with something unique to it, undoubtedly thanks to the pianist's great skill. Moreover, Evgeni Koroliov is too accomplished and experienced an artist to take interpretive shortcuts in such an ambitious project. Every element of convincing and creative interpretation is audible in his performance: the careful selection of repertoire, its thoughtful arrangement, the freedom and precision of playing, the skillful handling of sound and volume, the avoidance of extremes in tempo, and the proper attention given to both hands.
Additionally, the album features a significant amount of material, covering almost 75 minutes of music, resulting in an exceptional recording, captivating with its individual and unique atmosphere that resonates deeply with the listener's emotions. It is worth paying close attention to the Russian pianist's version. Once again, after the album featuring the exceptionally beautiful and intimate music of Johannes Brahms („Intermezzi“), Koroliov confirms his reputation as an artist with much to say. The time spent carefully exploring his vision of Fryderyk Chopin's works will be among the most beautiful and moving experiences.
Paweł Chmielowski<< back