Samson Francois, Louis Fremaux - Chopin: Piano Concertos No. 1 & 2, Rondo (1966) [2020 SACD Definition Serie]

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Francois, who died at the age of 46. Said to be a genius from an early age, he won the 1st Long-Thibault International Competition in his teens, and as a leading pianist in post-war France, he also left brilliant achievements in recording. Among them, many Chopin recordings that shine even more in her unique expression and inspiration are her masterpieces. The two songs of this piano concerto were previously sold separately as SACD single layer discs, but in this reprint, they have been compiled into one disc, and Rondo, which was recorded together with No. 2, is also included.

2020 marks 50 years since François passed away at the age of 46. The impression of François may be that many people think of words such as freewheeling and innocent. In fact, even if it was a session recording, the many sound sources left behind were played with excitement like a live performance. The impression is particularly strong, probably because it reminds me of Chopin's way of life. This concerto recording was recorded when François was 41 years old, and it is a truly valuable record full of inspiration and passion that cannot be captured simply by the concept of individuality. In a sense, Frémaux's conducting, which appropriately follows the piano playing freely, is one of the listening points, and it can be said that it is a rare performance with jazz-like improvisation. If anything, the recording is somewhat exaggerated, but it conveys the heat and texture sufficiently. I think that the high sound quality will make you feel as if you are listening closer.


*As it is a machine translation, the result may not provide an accurate description.
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Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21
3. Rondo in C major for 2 Pianos, Op. 73

Personnel:

Samson François, piano
Pierre Barbizet, piano (3)
Monte-Carlo National Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Louis Frémaux

Recorded:
July 13 & 15, 1965 (1, 2), December 13, 1966 (3),
Monte-Carlo, Salle de l'Alcazar(1, 2), Salle Wagram, Paris (3)