Chopin - Études, Op.10 & Op.25 - Sviatoslav Richter (London, 1989)

Frédéric Chopin
Sviatoslav Richter, piano

Études, Op.10
00:26 No.1 in C major - Allegro
02:38 No.2 in A minor - Allegro
04:12 No.3 in E major - Lento ma non troppo
08:06 No.4 in C-sharp minor - Presto
10:48 No.6 in E-flat major - Andante
14:01 No.10 in A-flat major - Vivace assai
16:07 No.11 in E-flat major - Allegretto
17:52 No.12 in C minor "Revolutionary" - Allegro con fuoco

Études, Op.25
21:17 No.5 in E minor - Vivace
24:29 No.6 in G-sharp minor - Allegro
26:28 No.8 in D flat major - Vivace
27:43 No.11 in A minor - Lento - Allegro con brio

Live recorded at the Barbican Centre, London, 29 March 1989

[KaisarAnvar]

“Just because you can play Chopin Etudes fast, doesn’t make you a musician/pianist.” Richter’s musicality is beyond our imagination which proves even further that “Etudes” can sound less like an exercise and more like a beautiful poetic music. Love you Legend ❤️❤️

[petergolding]

I remember being there and the playing was astonishing. For those who like trivia, the reason he glanced upwards a lot during the 1st Etude was because the camera above was making a noise which annoyed him. He nearly walked off

[ivan]

In astronomy there is a scientific concept of “the light of a distant star”: a star has long ceased to exist, and its light continues to come from outer space to Earth for many light years... The divine light of the great Richter.

[KaisarAnvar]

Plus, nowadays not many pianists, young or old, can DARE to give a recital of Chopin Etudes. It’s too risky. Yet here is Richter, at this age, dominating the Etudes…

[josephmyers]

The better you know this piece, the crazier this performance is.

[stefanufer]

Sheer polish, power and control of the instrument. I could watch this over and over again.

[claudedeseez]

Beauté, simplicité, vérité, du Chopin à l' état pur . Quel talent ! Tout est beau et juste. Le son, l'émotion . La musique de l'âme. Le monde de Chopin. Quelle chance de voir et entendre ce pianiste . Cet immense musicien.

[raymondmartin]

Man, Richter's op10 no3 is heart achingly beautiful.

[jennyjang]

I always go back to Richter. That's the reason I like Richter and his music..

[meredith]

Despite being allegedly unhappy and uncomfortable in this recital he produced an amazing performance. I simply love his titanic account of the taxing A minor Etude op25.

[neversayneveragain]

Richter's playing is the only one which makes me cry...

[RNVAT]

Wow. Astonishing. For a gentleman of (at the time of recording)being 74 years old and his dexterity and suppleness was still impeccable. Not a hint of fatigue. Pure brilliance. Bravo

[johnschlesinger]

I was there: he played these as though they were childs play! I had the good fortune to hear Richter several times in recitals: I remember each one vividly. The greatest was when he played Beethoven's Op 106, and then came back and played the fugue again - even better than the first time!

[vasilebratu]

Such a power in his hands, especcialy in his left. This is just amazing! And his musicality .... This is TRUE music.

[markbrayman]

There was no one like him, and they'll never be. In a word, Richter was remarkable!!

[tomuptown]

I've been in love with this recording for many many years. He plays the etudes with such authority that inspired me to learn some of them.

[millamaltese]

Meraviglioso pianista, sono una sua ammiratrice da sempre e ho avuto il piacere di ascoltarlo dal vivo.

[jennyjang]

Absolutely gorgeous! The Best of the best ever ..!!

[susanamelody]

Great Sviatoslav Very expresive and powerful performance❤

[georgegerich]

Words cannot adequately express what this Master demonstrates when performing. No composer or piano composition is beyond his understanding and virtuosity. The few wrong notes shows that Richter is a human being. Thank God for video and audio so that he will never be forgotten and continues to inspire pianists and audiences around the world.