Record basics
- Album name: 8 Polonaises
- Composer name: Frédéric Chopin
- Performer name: Peter Frankl
- Year: 1964?
- Number of discs: one
- Label: Yorkshire Records
- Collection: Brenner / Gessner
- Distinguishing characteristics: “G” written on top left of album, indicating that my father owned it
- Buy it on Ebay: $5.50
My review
Level of familiarity before listening
I’m familiar with Chopin, but I doubt that I would be able to identify any of his music.
What I expected
I associate Chopin with the piano, and specifically with études, but my musical education left me unable to define “études” (studies… of something), and I think of his compositions as short but energetic. I have no idea what the relationship is of a polonaise to an étude.
What it was actually like
I thought this was interesting and enjoyable, but no part of it was catchy or memorable.
I did not catch if there were any instruments at all besides the piano. I wonder if Chopin ever considered writing for multiple instruments, or if he even knew how to play other instruments. Some people are just really into the piano.
Op. 53, in A Flat Major sounded familiar at parts, and was the most lively and entertaining of the pieces.
Grade
3/5: interesting, but not for me
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