Grigory Sokolov - Chopin: Préludes, Op. 28; Sonata, Études (2008)

These two CDs feature live performances by the legendary Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov of some of Chopin's most enduring masterpieces, the 24 preludes, the opus 25 tudes, and the great 2nd sonata. Originally available as two separate full price CDs, they are now being released as a set at a special price. They were recorded in Paris at three concerts during 1990 and 1992. Grigory Sokolov was born in Leningrad in 1950 and began studying the piano at the age of five. At the age of seven he entered the Leningrad Conservatory to study with Leah Zelikhman, and later with Moisey Khalfin. He gave his first major recital in Moscow at the age of 12, and came to international attention after winning the 1966 International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition. Aged only sixteen, he won the Gold Medal on a unanimous decision by a jury headed by Emil Gilels. He was largely unknown in the West, however, until the late 1980s, but is now rightfully regarded as a giant of the piano. In recent years he has focused mainly on the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Schumann and Bach. Although he is mainly known as a performing artist several of those performances have been released on the Opus 111 label over the years, and as well as the Chopin recitals being re-issued here, there have also been critically acclaimed CDs of the music of Beethoven and Brahms.