Fréderic Chiu - Chopin: Twelve Études, Op. 25 (2004)

This is the completion of Frederic Chiu's recording of the etudes of Chopin, filled out with Chopin's Berceuse, Barcarolle, and the Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61. Not only is Chiu able to skillfully tackle the technical challenges of the Etudes, Op. 25, but he does it with well-controlled emotion, making the music exciting, but not histrionic. Throughout, Chiu carefully delineates the notes within both the harmony and the melody, but just as carefully integrates lines and never loses sight of what is important in each phrase. The opening two etudes have waves of harmony on which the lyrical melody floats. Nos. 10 and 11, and the Barcarolle as well, are dramatic paintings of conscious mood swings. You can tell Chiu has given thought to the precise sound and expression of each phrase of music, but he never sacrifices clarity of the notes for the sake of that expression and never sounds academic. If Chiu's readings aren't as spontaneous as those of other pianists, there is still a depth of genuine feeling that makes them worth hearing.