Pianist Kotaro Fukuma chose the album's concept to tell a story of a hero fighting for his country, inspired by Chopin's feelings of nostalgia and anger during his exile.
Album & Artwork
This album is Kotaro Fukuma's 20th CD release and coincides with the 20th anniversary of his debut in Japan.
Performer Biography
Kotaro Fukuma has collaborated with top figure skaters like Stéphane Lambiel and performed with Paris Opéra Ballet étoile Mathieu Ganio.
Performer Biography
Kotaro Fukuma, the pianist on this album, won the Cleveland International Piano Competition and the Chopin Prize at age 20, becoming the first Japanese winner.
Performer Biography
Kotaro Fukuma has performed with major orchestras worldwide, including the Cleveland Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic, and NHK Symphony Orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Chopin himself was reluctant about 'program music' and wished for his music to be enjoyed purely through sound.
Historical Context
Chopin left his home country in November 1830, shortly before the Polish-Russian War, and felt great nostalgia and anger in exile after hearing about the Warsaw Uprising.
You might also enjoy...
Chopin: The essential collection
Frederic Chopin: Piano Works - 24 Preludes, Op. 28 / Nocturnes / Waltzes (E. Gabriel)
