Originally published on July 13
This nicely varied if Mazurka-studded recital finds Louis Lortie in top form, his Fazioli grand beautifully recorded at Potton Hall by Jonathan Cooper, last October. Lortie has the measure of the Mazurkas (fifteen are included), their rhythms, moods, and elusiveness; dances, yes, but so revealing of Chopin’s innermost feelings. He finds much expression and light-heartedness in Rondo à la Mazur, and sentiment in the salon trifle that is Boléro. Weightier emotions inform the opening of Rondo (Opus 16) with much finger stretching needed thereafter. The adorable Tarantelle receives a nimble outing, and the ‘Heroic’ Polonaise (A-flat, Opus 53) a majestic one. These seventy-three very agreeable minutes are on Chandos CHAN 20241, released this Friday, July 15.