This third and final volume of Jorge Bolet’s Berlin radio recordings (1961-1974) presents previously unreleased repertoire novelties. Once again, the Cuban-born artist sets performance standards of great romantic and modern piano music.
With the exception of the Fledermaus paraphrase, all recordings are released for the first time. Once again, Bolet’s performances document his universality and unceasing inquisitiveness, as well as his phenomenal musicianship and ability to adapt his virtuosity to diverse works. These recordings are therefore invaluable documents of a musician who today is justly considered one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century.
This selection brings us works of Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Dello Joio, Franck, Godowsky, Grieg, Liszt and Schumann. Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto did not form part of Bolet’s regular repertoire: it is the only live recording on this edition. Further highlights include Schumann’s Third Piano Sonata as well as major works by Chopin, such as the complete Op.25 Études, in Bolet’s masterful, lyrical interpretations. As an “encore”, Bolet plays Godowsky’s Concert Paraphrase of Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus”.
Here is Mr Bolet in the Ballade number 1 by Chopin:
