Leopold Godowsky - Godowsky: The Complete Studies on Chopin's Etudes (LP)

Leopold Godowsky's "The Complete Studies on Chopin's Etudes" is a monumental work that showcases the pianist's extraordinary technical prowess and creative genius. Released in 2000 under the Hyperion label, this album spans an impressive two hours and twenty-two minutes, featuring Godowsky's intricate and demanding reworkings of Chopin's etudes. Godowsky's studies are known for their complexity and innovation, often pushing the boundaries of traditional piano technique.

This collection includes 53 studies, each offering a unique interpretation and expansion of Chopin's original etudes. Godowsky's versions are notable for their technical challenges, including pieces specifically composed for the left hand alone. The album is a testament to Godowsky's mastery of the piano and his ability to transform Chopin's works into something entirely new and profound.

Godowsky's studies have been both celebrated and debated, with critics and musicians alike recognizing the audacity and brilliance of his compositions. This album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone interested in the evolution of piano repertoire. Marc-André Hamelin's performance of these studies won the 2000 Gramophone Instrumental Award, further cementing the album's significance in the classical music world.