Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical piano with "The Keys to the Piano," a captivating compilation by Various Artists set to release on January 23, 2025, under Warner Classics. This extraordinary collection spans a rich tapestry of compositions, from timeless masterpieces by Bach and Beethoven to the delicate nuances of Debussy and Chopin, all meticulously curated to showcase the versatility and depth of the piano.
With a duration of 3 hours and 8 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of 53 tracks that traverse various genres and styles, offering a comprehensive journey through the evolution of piano music. Each piece is performed with exquisite precision and emotional resonance, bringing to life the intricate compositions of some of the most celebrated composers in history.
From the serene and contemplative "Clair de Lune" by Debussy to the lively and spirited "Hungarian Dances" by Brahms, "The Keys to the Piano" presents a diverse array of musical expressions. The album also features lesser-known gems, such as the enchanting "Le jardin féérique" by Ravel and the delicate "Berceuse" by Fauré, providing a fresh and engaging listening experience.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this compilation offers something for everyone. The meticulous selection of pieces and the impeccable performances make "The Keys to the Piano" a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the boundless beauty of piano music. Prepare to be transported to a world of melodic splendor and artistic brilliance with this remarkable album.
Bach, JS: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110: II. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Alexandre Tharaud
Fauré: Dolly, Op. 56: I. BerceuseGabriel Fauré, Nicholas Angelich, Alexandre Tharaud
Bach, JS: Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106 "Actus tragicus": No. 2, Chöre, Arioso und Aria. "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit" (Arr. Kurtág for Piano 4-Hands)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, David Fray
De Visée / Transcr. Tharaud: Livre de pièces pour la guitare, Suite No. 9 in D Minor: IV. SarabandeRobert de Visée, Alexandre Tharaud
Fauré: 3 Romances sans paroles, Op. 17: No. 3 in A-Flat MajorGabriel Fauré, Alexandre Tharaud
Saint-Saëns: Le carnaval des animaux: XIII. Le cygne (Arr. Godowsky for Piano)Camille Saint-Saëns, Alexandre Tharaud
Rameau: Second livre de pièces de clavecin, Suite en mi: V. Le rappel des oiseauxJean-Philippe Rameau, Alexandre Tharaud
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60: V. Le jardin féériqueMaurice Ravel, Alexandre Tharaud, Bertrand Chamayou
Bach, JS: Flute Sonata in E-Flat Major, BWV 1031: II. Siciliano (Transcr. Tharaud for Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109: I. Vivace ma non troppo - Adagio espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Alexandre Tharaud
Gluck / Arr Siloti: Orphée et Eurydice, Wq. 41: Dance of the Blessed SpiritsChristoph Willibald Gluck, Alexandre Tharaud
The Windmills of Your Mind (From "The Thomas Crown Affair")Michel Legrand, Alexandre Tharaud, Antonio Pappano, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Bach, JS: Piano Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056: II. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata in D Minor, Kk. 141Domenico Scarlatti, Alexandre Tharaud
Concertino (From "Summer of ‘42")Michel Legrand, Alexandre Tharaud, Antonio Pappano, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Bach, JS: Concerto for Four Pianos in A Minor, BWV 1065: I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Haydn: Keyboard Concerto in D Major, Hob. XVIII:11: III. Rondo all'ungareseJoseph Haydn, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Schubert: Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780: No. 4 in C-Sharp MinorFranz Schubert, Alexandre Tharaud
Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 4 in G Minor (Transc Tharaud & Queyras for Cello and Piano)Johannes Brahms, Alexandre Tharaud, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Rachmaninov: Prelude No. 1 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 3 No. 2 "The Bells of Moscow"Sergei Rachmaninoff, Alexandre Tharaud
Bach, JS: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air (Transcr. Tharaud for Piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud
Mompou: Paisajes: II. El lagoFederico Mompou, Alexandre Tharaud
Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata in A Major, Kk. 208Domenico Scarlatti, Alexandre Tharaud
Debussy: Suite bergamasque, CD 82, L. 75: III. Clair de luneClaude Debussy, Alexandre Tharaud
Bach, JS: Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: II. Adagio (After Marcello's Oboe Concerto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violins du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Chopin: Mazurka No. 13 in A Minor, Op. 17 No. 4Frédéric Chopin, Alexandre Tharaud
Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata in G Minor, Kk. 8 "Bucolic"Domenico Scarlatti, Alexandre Tharaud
Schubert: 4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899: No. 3 in G-Flat MajorFranz Schubert, Alexandre Tharaud
Royer: Premier livre de pièces de clavecin: VI. L'aimableJoseph-Nicolas-Pancrace Royer, Alexandre Tharaud
Dvořák: Slavonic Dances, Op. 72, B. 145: No. 2 in E Minor, Allegretto graziosoAntonín Dvořák, Alexandre Tharaud, Mariam Batsashvili
Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata in E Major, Kk. 380 "Cortège"Domenico Scarlatti, Alexandre Tharaud
Ravel: Miroirs, M. 43: IV. Alborada del graciosoMaurice Ravel, Alexandre Tharaud
Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23Frédéric Chopin, Alexandre Tharaud
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assaiMaurice Ravel, Alexandre Tharaud, Orchestre National De France, Louis Langrée
Poulenc: Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor, FP 146: I. Allegretto (Live)Francis Poulenc, Alexandre Tharaud, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, London Philharmonic Orchestra