CHOPIN: COMPACT COMPANIONS : A LISTENER'S GUIDE TO THE CLASSICS (Compact Companions)

Rating:
Summary: Brief and basic
Review: This is a wonderful little book which will be of great use to those who don't know but wish to learn about Chopin. This isn't a serious indepth biography.

Its a very basic biography covering Chopin's life. Included are many illustrations and photos of Chopin's birthplace, friends, parents, as well as some drawings by Delecroix, Chopin, George Sand and many sketches and drawings of Chopin himself. At the end are a complete list of works with recommended recordings by well known pianists. The real bonus is the CD which accompanies the book.

CD tracks:

Waltz No.1 in Eb major, Op.18
Minute Waltz
Piano concerto No.1, Adagio
Ballade No.1 in G minor, op.23
Étude No.1 in C major, op.10
Étude No.3 in E major, op.10
Nocturne No.8 in Db major, op.27/2
Prélude No.17 in Ab major, op.28
Fantasy Impromptu, op.66
Polonaise No.6 in Ab major, op.53
Mazurka No.1 in G minor, op.24
Mazurka No.4 in Bb minor, op.24
Piano Sonata No.2, March funèbre

Nikita Magaloff is the pianist on all tracks except for Piano Concerto second movement which is played by Claudio Arrau and London Philharmonic.

Magaloff's tone is bold and rich.

All in all, not bad.