Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano with Géza Anda's captivating album, "Bach, Chopin, Ravel & Schumann: Works for Piano." Released on March 1, 2019, under the Orfeo label, this exquisite collection showcases Anda's mastery of the keyboard, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that span the works of four legendary composers.
The album opens with Bach's Keyboard Partita No. 2 in C Minor, BWV 826, performed live, demonstrating Anda's precision and depth. The piece unfolds through six movements, each a testament to Bach's intricate craftsmanship and Anda's interpretive skill. Following Bach, Anda transitions seamlessly into Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35, known as the "Funeral March." This sonata, performed live, is a profound exploration of Chopin's emotional range, with Anda's playing bringing out the poignant beauty of each movement.
Ravel's "Valses nobles et sentimentales," presented in a version for piano, adds a touch of French impressionism to the album. The piece, performed live, showcases Anda's ability to capture the delicate nuances and lyrical grace of Ravel's music.
The album concludes with Schumann's "Carnaval," Op. 9, a suite of piano pieces that evoke a masquerade of characters and moods. Anda's live performance of "Carnaval" is a tour de force, bringing to life the whimsical, dramatic, and introspective aspects of Schumann's composition.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through some of the most celebrated works in the classical piano repertoire. Géza Anda's virtuosity and artistic sensitivity make this a collection that will resonate with both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
