Cortot Plays Chopin: Ballades, Sonata Op. 35, Fantasia, Op. 49

Alfred Cortot, a titan of the classical piano world, left an indelible mark on the 20th century with his profound interpretations and vast repertoire. Born in Switzerland and trained at the prestigious Paris Conservatoire, Cortot's career spanned solo performances, chamber music, conducting, and teaching. He was particularly celebrated for his poetic insights into Romantic piano works, with a special affinity for Chopin, whose music he recorded extensively. Cortot's influence extended beyond performance; he edited seminal editions of works by Chopin, Liszt, and Schumann, and founded the École Normale de Musique de Paris. His legacy, however, is complex, marked by his controversial involvement with the Vichy regime during World War II. Despite this, Cortot's recordings and teachings continue to inspire pianists and enthusiasts alike, offering a window into the Romantic era's emotional depth and technical brilliance.