Experience the pinnacle of classical piano mastery with "Master Classes from the École Normale featuring Alfred Cortot," a remarkable collection of live performances and instructional insights from the legendary French pianist and pedagogue, Alfred Cortot. Released in 2005 by Sony Classical, this extensive 2-hour and 54-minute album is a treasure trove of Cortot's interpretations and teachings, providing an unparalleled glimpse into his artistic vision and technical prowess.
The album spans a wide range of compositions, from the intricate movements of J.S. Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major to the evocative sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven, the lyrical genius of Frédéric Chopin, and the romantic fervor of Franz Liszt. Each track is a testament to Cortot's deep understanding and passionate delivery of these timeless works.
In addition to the performances, the album includes introductory remarks from Cortot himself, offering valuable context and insights into his approach to each piece. This unique blend of live music and educational commentary makes the album an invaluable resource for both aspiring pianists and classical music enthusiasts alike.
Alfred Cortot's legacy as a pianist and teacher is unparalleled, and this album captures the essence of his artistry. Whether you are a seasoned classical aficionado or a curious newcomer, "Master Classes from the École Normale featuring Alfred Cortot" promises an enriching and inspiring listening experience. Immerse yourself in the world of classical piano with one of its greatest masters.
(P) 2004 Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Tracks
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: I. Praeludium - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: II. Allemande - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: III. Corrente - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: IV. Sarabande - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: V. Menuet I & II - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: VI. Giga - LiveJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Cortot
Fantasy in C minor for Piano, K. 475 - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 11 in A Major for Piano, K. 331 (300i): I. Tema. Andante grazioso e variazioni - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 11 in A Major for Piano, K. 331 (300i): II. Menuetto - Trio - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 11 in A Major for Piano, K. 331 (300i): III. (Rondo) alla Turca. Allegretto - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310: I. Allegro maestoso - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310: II. Andante cantabile con espressione - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310: III. Presto - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": I. Das Lebewohl/Les Adieux. Adagio - Allegro - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": II. Abwesenheit/L'absence. Andante espressivo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a "Les adieux": III. Das Wiedersehn/Le retour. Vivacissimamente - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90: I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90: II. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 28 in A Major for Piano, Op. 101: I. Etwas lebhaft, und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegretto ma non troppo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 28 in A Major for Piano, Op. 101: II. Lebhaft, Marschmässig. Vivace alla marcia - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 28 in A Major for Piano, Op. 101: III. Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 28 in A Major for Piano, Op. 101: IV. Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr, und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 30 in E Major for Piano, Op. 109: I. Vivace, ma non troppo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 30 in E Major for Piano, Op. 109: II. Prestissimo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 30 in E Major for Piano, Op. 109: III. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo. Variations I - IV - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major for Piano, Op. 110: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major for Piano, Op. 110: II. Allegro molto - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major for Piano, Op. 110: III. Adagio ma non troppo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major for Piano, Op. 110: IV. Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Cortot
II. Andantino from Sonata No. 2 in G minor for Piano, Op. 22 - LiveRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
I. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen from Fantasy in C Major for Piano, Op. 17 - LiveRobert Schumann, Alfred Cortot
Introductory remarks to Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35 - LiveAlfred Cortot, Murray Perahia
Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35: I. Grave - Doppio movimento - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35: II. Scherzo - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35: III. Marche funèbre. Lento - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor for Piano, Op. 35: IV. Presto - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Introductory remarks to Sonata No. 3 in B minor for Piano, Op. 58 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot, Murray Perahia
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: I. Allegro maestoso - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: II. Scherzo. Molto vivace - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: III. Largo - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58: IV. Finale. Presto non tanto - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Introductory remarks to Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 - LiveAlfred Cortot, Murray Perahia
Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Introductory remarks to Ballade No. 3 in A-flat Major, Op. 47 - LiveAlfred Cortot, Murray Perahia
Ballade No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 47 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Scherzo No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Mazurka in G minor, Op. 24, No. 1 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Mazurka in C Major, Op. 24, No. 2 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot
Mazurka in B-flat minor, Op. 24, No. 4 - LiveFrédéric Chopin, Alfred Cortot