Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Chamber Versions) Emmanuel Despax & Chineke! Chamber Ensemble

• Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849): Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11
• 1 Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11: I. Allegro maestoso (Chamber Version) 19:53
• 2 Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11: II. Romance. Larghetto (Chamber Version) 10:18
• 3 Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11: III. Rondo. Vivace (Chamber Version) 10:07
• Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21:
• 4 Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21: I. Maestoso (Chamber Version) 15:19
• 5 Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21: II. Larghetto (Chamber Version) 09:57
• 6 Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21: III. Allegro vivace (Chamber Version) 09:30
• Total Runtime 01:15:04

Info for Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Chamber Versions)

Following the acclaimed Brahms recording in 2021, Emmanuel Despax presents his sixth album with Signum Classics: Chopin Piano Concertos (chamber versions) with Chineke! Chamber Ensemble.

“Chopin’s Piano Concertos are among his first and most significant points of departure, a marked liberation from the constraints of an early but short-lived respect for custom and tradition… I would say that the excep- tional nature of this Chopin recording lies in the combination of the chamber music, quintet slimmed-down version of the Piano Concertos complemented by a pianist who plays with an almost epic size and grandeur.” – Bryce Morrison, C.2021

Emmanuel Despax has gained worldwide recognition as a singular artist, whose interpretations bring a rare sincerity and imagination to the music.

Chineke! was founded in 2015 by the double bass player, Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, to provide career oppor- tunities for established and up-and-coming Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe. The Chineke! Chamber Ensemble comprises the principal players of the Chineke! Orchestra.

“When played with such aplomb as by Despax and the Chineke! Chamber Ensemble they are simply magnificent. Played with the authority, control and enthusiasm of Despax and Chineke, the results are breath-taking. Even the booklet notes by Bryce Morrison shift to reviewer mode and wax lyrical about these accounts. Despax’s touch and tone are immaculate and Signum’s recordings are sensational. Heartily recommended” – International Piano

“His legato tone and playing are fascinating, and the warm sound is combined with the performance of the five musicians of the Chineke! Chamber Ensemble, which live up to their potential. A performance of this quality really deserves nothing more than the best of the Signum Records label” – Sonograma

“Despax is one of the most intelligent interpreters of Chopin around at the moment, and Chi-chi Nwanoku’s Chineke! Quintet is a superb foil, always attentive, always certain to pick up on Despax’s phrasing” – Present Arts

Emmanuel Despax, piano
Chineke! Chamber Ensemble

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Booklet for Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Chamber Versions)