This CD is part of a series co-produced by the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien and paladino music, featuring recordings of historical musical instruments from the Collection of Ancient Musical Instruments in Vienna.
Performer Biography
Natalia Rehling, the fortepiano performer on this album, is a prizewinner of various international Chopin competitions and has performed throughout Europe, Asia, and the US.
Instruments
The fortepiano used in this recording is an instrument by Conrad Graf, Vienna, manufactured after 1828, and is part of the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (Inv. No. SAM 570).
Composer's Artistic Vision
Chopin preferred the instruments of Camille Pleyel, a French piano manufacturer, and remained friends with him until his death.
Composer Biography
Chopin chose Conrad Graf pianos for his concert tours to Vienna in 1829 and 1830/31 and commented positively about them.
Instruments
The Conrad Graf fortepiano used in this recording features four pedals for 'modifications' including shift, bassoon (not used here), piano, and damper, allowing for a rich palette of sound colors.
Composition History
Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 and the 24 Preludes Op. 28 were written between 1838 and 1840, a period of emotional instability and health deterioration for the composer.
