Alfred Cortot: The Late Recordings, Vol. 4

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical piano music with Alfred Cortot's "The Late Recordings, Vol. 4." Released on November 1, 2010, this album is a testament to Cortot's enduring legacy as a master pianist. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection features a diverse array of compositions that showcase Cortot's unparalleled skill and deep emotional connection to the music.

The album opens with Schubert's "6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 3 in F Minor. Allegro moderato," setting the tone for a journey through some of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire. Cortot's interpretation of Schubert's piece is both delicate and powerful, highlighting his ability to bring out the nuances of each composition.

The album also includes a selection of Schubert's "12 German Dances, Op. 171, D. 790," which are performed with a lightness and grace that are characteristic of Cortot's style. His rendition of "Am Tage aller Seelen, D. 343" is particularly moving, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through his playing.

Cortot's interpretation of Liszt's "19 Hungarian Rhapsodies, S. 244: No. 11 in A Minor" is a standout track, demonstrating his technical prowess and his ability to bring out the rhythmic and melodic complexities of the piece. The album also features a selection of Schumann's "Carnaval, Op. 9," which is performed with a sense of playfulness and wit that is characteristic of Cortot's playing.

In addition to these works, the album also includes a selection of Chopin's most beloved pieces, including the "Nocturne in F-Sharp Major, Op. 15 No. 2," the "Étude in G-Flat Major, Op. 10 No. 5 'Black Keys'," and the "Étude in F Minor, Op. 25 No. 2 'Bees'." Cortot's interpretations of these pieces are both technically impressive and deeply moving, showcasing his ability to bring out the emotional depth of each composition.

The album concludes with a selection of Cortot's own compositions, including the "Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35 'Funeral March'" and the "Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: III. Largo - Cantabile." These pieces are performed with a sense of introspection and reflection that is characteristic of Cortot's late works.

Overall, "The Late Recordings, Vol. 4" is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of classical piano music. Cortot's interpretations of these timeless works are both technically impressive and deeply moving, showcasing his enduring legacy as one of the greatest pianists of all time.