Cortot: Chopin recital ("Funeral March" from Op. 35, etc.) - La Voce del Padrone QALP 10348

Jacket GOOD / LP GOOD / Italian pressing

This very rare and handsome LP from La Voce del Padrone (QALP 10348, Italian pressing, large dog red/white semi-circle label, mono) features a brilliant Chopin recital from Alfred Cortot, one of the composer’s greatest, and most individual exponents of the last century.

A few notes: This disc, aside from offering the more typical fare of Preludes, Etudes, and Nocturnes, also includes the Funeral March from Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor Op. 35, something of a rarity from the Cortot discography at this time (issued @ 1963).

In fact, the present disc proves the perfect calling card for this distinctive pianist, drawing judiciously from his extensive Chopin discography.

A true keyboard maverick, Cortot's playing boasts a flair and visionary quality that leaves many of his contemporaries sounding bland by comparison. He was a risk taker, and while all of his gambits did not succeed, these Chopin selections are marvelously characterized, imbued with blazing conviction, high drama, and stirring poetry – stunning!

Included are the following works of Chopin:

Polonaise No. 6 in B-flat Major Op. 53 'Heroic'

Prelude No. 15 in D-flat Major Op. 28 'Raindrop'

Prelude No. 24 in D minor Op. 28

Waltz No. 7 in C-sharp minor Op. 64 No. 2

Waltz No. 9 in B-flat Major Op. 69 No. 1 'L'adieu'

Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat Major Op. 9 No. 2

Ballade No. 1 in G minor Op. 23

Etude in E Major Op. 10 No. 3 'Tristesse'

Etude in C minor Op. 10 No. 12 'Revolutionary'

Etude in A minor Op. 25 No. 11 'Winter Wind'

Marche Funebre from the Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor Op. 35

CONDITION:

The condition of the jacket is GOOD. Verticle ines, almost like creases, have formed in the laminate to the front panel. There is also bumping/wear to corners and some discoloration. However, the jacket is without seamsplits, bends, or owners' marking and remains solid, and fairly presentation worthy – overall, not a collector's copy, but still a decent one.

The condition of the LP itself is GOOD. There is occasional surface noise, which at times calls for some tolerance, but in general this remains an enjoyable copy – again, not quite a collector's copy, but still a decent one.