Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 was actually composed before No. 1, but No. 1 was published first, leading to the reversed numbering.
The recording was made on a Shigeru Kawai piano, chosen for its clarity, richness of tone, and responsiveness.
Chopin's concerti possess a distinctly chamber-like quality, with an interplay between piano and orchestra that lends itself to intimate ensembles.
Both of Chopin's piano concerti were written shortly before he left Poland in 1830, carrying an emotional resonance connected to his homeland.
This album features Chopin's Piano Concerti Nos. 1 and 2 arranged for piano and string quartet, offering a more intimate perspective on these works.
Lara Melda, the pianist on this album, gained international recognition in 2010 by winning the BBC Young Musician competition.
