Chopin dedicated his Opus 10 Études to Franz Liszt, a renowned composer and pianist, and his Opus 25 Études to Liszt's companion, Marie d'Agoult.
Composer Biography
Chopin, despite receiving piano lessons as a youth, was largely self-taught, which may contribute to the unique subjectivity of his works.
Composition History
Chopin composed his Études over a significant period, between 1828 and 1840, which was a long duration relative to his short life.
Critical Reception
Robert Schumann, a popular German composer, described Chopin's Opus 25 No. 1 Étude as "more a poem than a study," highlighting its innovative, almost Impressionistic sound world.
Recording & Production
This recording was made at the SWR Großes Studio, Villa Berg, Stuttgart, on January 5th and 6th, 2007, and features a Steinway D piano.
Historical Context
The twelfth Étude of Opus 10 was likely composed when Chopin learned of the defeat of the Polish rebellion by Russian forces, an event that deeply affected him.
Performer Biography
Eugene Mursky, the pianist on this recording, won first prize at the World Piano Competition in London in 1994, which included an award for the best Chopin interpretation.
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