Jean-Marc Luisada - Chopin: 17 Valses (1991)

Tracklist

01. Chopin: Waltz No.1 In E Flat, Op.18 -"Grande valse brillante"
02. Chopin: Waltz No.2 In A Flat, Op.34 No.1-"Valse brillante"
03. Chopin: Waltz No.3 In A Minor, Op.34 No.2
04. Chopin: Waltz No.4 In F, Op.34 No.3
05. Chopin: Waltz No.5 In A Flat, Op.42-"Grande valse"
06. Chopin: Waltz No.6 In D Flat, Op.64 No.1 -"Minute"
07. Chopin: Waltz No.7 In C Sharp Minor, Op.64 No.2
08. Chopin: Waltz No.8 In A Flat, Op.64 No.3
09. Chopin: Waltz No.9 In A Flat, Op.69 No.1 -"Farewell"
10. Chopin: Waltz No.10 In B Minor, Op.69 No.2
11. Chopin: Waltz No.11 In G Flat, Op.70 No.1
12. Chopin: Waltz No.12 In F Minor/A Flat, Op.70 No.2
13. Chopin: Waltz No.13 In D Flat, Op.70 No.3
14. Chopin: Waltz No.14 In E Minor, Op.posth.
15. Chopin: Waltz No.16 In A Flat, Op.posth.
16. Chopin: Waltz No.15 in E, Op.posth.
17. Chopin: Waltz No.18 In E Flat, Op.posth.


Originally released in Europe by Deutsche Grammophon, Jean-Marc Luisada's 1991 album of Chopin's waltzes has been reissued in 2004 in the Universal Classics budget line, apparently without remastering or other enhancements. While this CD may attract beginners dipping into Chopin's piano music for the first time, it is not recommended, and others may pass it by without too many pangs of regret. For most of the program, Luisada's interpretations are mannered and facile, executed with far too much rubato, coy accentuation, and precious phrasing, perhaps to suggest a nineteenth century salon style. In the Grande Valse brillante, Op. 18, the Waltz in A flat major, Op. 42, and the popular "Minute Waltz," Luisada's overtly emotive approach might seem charming and sweet, but it begins to cloy by the disc's midpoint and becomes annoying after that. Examples of sensitive, moving playing are few, perhaps restricted to the Waltz No 2. in A minor, Op. 34; the Waltz No. 2 in B minor, Op. Post. 69; and the Waltz No. 2 in F minor, Op. Post. 70. But these three tracks are insufficient to balance out the rest of Luisada's exaggerated playing, which makes this album a real chore to get through.

DOWNLOAD ALBUM [flac]