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Frederic CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 28 [38:21]
Prelude Op. 45 [4:07]
Prelude without opus [0:58]
Lydia Jardon, piano
Recorded at Neumarkt, 7-8 April 1998 DDD
AR Ré-Sé AR 2001-2 [43:26]

 

This is one of those eternally baffling releases that begs the question, "Why does this exist?"

Although Lydia Jardon is a perfectly capable pianist, rendering Chopin’s little piano vignettes with aplomb, clarity and a great sensitivity for the constant shifts in mood, one wonders why a label would release so scant a program in such a generic form.

To its credit, this disc is somewhat of a little gem, a short gust of fresh air in a world full of musical clutter. But at a meager forty-three minutes or so, I cannot find any justification for spending my money on an unknown pianist performing on an unknown record label in repertoire that is abundantly available by countless acclaimed musicians. Add in the short timing factor and a packaging so vanilla that it is almost camouflaged, I cannot imagine this one ever making it from the shelf to the shopping cart.

Normally, I make an effort to be a bit more detailed in a review, but there is so little about which to write here that I am at a loss for words. Sound quality is fine, the playing is quite competent, the program notes are worthless and there is not enough music on the disc to merit a purchase.

Sorry, this one is a loser.

Kevin Sutton

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