Frédéric Chopin - Wigmore Hall Live - Ewa Podles & Garrick Ohlsson (LP)

Immerse yourself in a captivating evening of classical piano mastery with the Wigmore Hall Live recording featuring the extraordinary talents of Ewa Podles and Garrick Ohlsson. This album, released on March 2, 2009, under the Wigmore Hall Live label, offers a rich tapestry of compositions that span the works of Chopin, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Szymanowski, and Musorgsky.

The album opens with a series of enchanting pieces by Frédéric Chopin, including "Gdzie lubi (There where she loves)" and "Pierscien (The ring)," showcasing Ohlsson's nuanced interpretation of Chopin's lyrical and technical brilliance. The program then transitions to Rachmaninov's evocative songs, such as "Khristos voskres (Christ is risen)" and "Davno v lyubvi (How fleeting is love's delight)," performed with Podles' rich, expressive soprano.

Tchaikovsky's poignant melodies, including "Ya li v pole da ne travushka bila (Was I not a little blade of grass)" and "Nyet, tol'ko tot kto znal (No. only one who knows longing)," are rendered with sensitivity and depth. Szymanowski's "Masques" Op. 34 offers a modern contrast, with its intricate and colorful compositions, while Musorgsky's "Songs and Dances of Death" provides a dramatic and powerful conclusion to the evening.

The album concludes with an encore by Rachmaninov, "Prokhodit vsyo (All things pass away)," leaving the audience with a sense of both reflection and exhilaration. With a total duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this recording captures the essence of a live performance, offering a unique and intimate experience of these timeless works. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a memorable and enriching listening experience.