Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Études, Op. 10
Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23
Nocturne No. 19 in E minor, Op. Posth. 72, No. 1
Nocturne No. 5 in F-sharp major, Op.15, No. 2
Nocturne No. 8 in D-flat major, Op. 27, No. 2
Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31
Fantaisie in F minor, Op. 49
Youri Egorov (piano)
rec. Studio 1, Muziekgebouw van de Omroep, Hilversum, The Netherlands, November 16, 1976 (Études); May 13, 1983 (Ballade, Nocturnes, Scherzo); March 11, 1979 (Fantasie)
DeHaan Records WH002 [76]
Youri Egorov (1954-1988) hailed from Kazan, the eighth most populous city in Russia, lying at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka Rivers, five-hundred miles east of Moscow. He studied piano at the Moscow Conservatory with Yakov Zak and went on to win several competition prizes. After a success at the Queen Elizabeth International Competition in Brussels he defected to the West, becoming a Dutch citizen in 1977. The events leading up to and relating the actual defection were documented in his Complete Original Diary – Italy 1976, which has been published by Wim de Haan and reviewed by me in these pages. It makes a fascinating read. Just as Egorov’s career was finally taking off big time, he tragically died at his home in Amsterdam from what was believed to be complications of AIDS. He was only thirty-three. At the time of his death 14 recordings of his had been commercially issued, with several more awaiting release.
These live recordings derive from three concerts hosted by Dutch Radio in Studio 1 in Hilversum between 1976 and 1983. All are previously unreleased. This is the second CD from DeHaan Records, the previous release was a live radio broadcast from 1983 of Schumann and Debussy issued in 2016 and reviewed here. Both CDs are limited editions of 100 copies; the previous disc appears to have sold out, so it’s advisable to purchase this one while it’s available.
The main bulk of the disc is taken up with Chopin’s Études, Op. 10 in a performance dated November 11 1976. It was Louis Kentner who once said in reference to the études, ‘Never has there been such a perfect fusion of the athletic and aesthetic’. Each focuses on a specific aspect of technique, so require complete mastery of the keyboard. I have to say that Youri Egorov rises to the challenge admirably, demonstrating fearless and steely virtuosity in musically convincing interpretations. There’s a commanding ease to the right hand arpeggios of No. 1 in C major. No. 3 is imbued with expressive tenderness, whilst No. 6 is shrouded in desolation and melancholy. No. 8 is a marvel of pristine clarity and flawless finger work. There’s a gleaming, diamond-like perfection to No. 11 and a passionate intensity to No. 12, “Revolutionary Étude“. Here, Egorov’s left hand displays spectacular dexterity.
One can understand the rapturous applause the pianist receives following his performance of the Ballade in G minor. He takes us on a roller coaster of emotions. Though there are contrasting episodes of introspection with moments of wild abandon, Egorov lets the music sing and breathe. It’s one of the most powerful renditions of the work I’ve ever heard. There follows a selection of three nocturnes. Poetry and seductive intimacy are the order of the day. Egorov evokes the serene landscape of Op. 27, No 2 in D flat major, a great favorite with audiences, contouring its long bel canto lines above calm arpeggiating waves. The Second Scherzo is given a gripping reading of unbridled passion.
The 1979 performance of the F minor Fantasie contrasts brooding melancholy with soaring ecstasy. The sombre opening march conjures up a funereal aura. More mercurial moods follow. It’s an achingly heart-wrenching performance.
I’m immensely grateful to Wim de Haan, whose unwavering dedication to maintaining the Youri Egorov website has made these valuable aural documents available. The piano sound is clean and immediate throughout, and applause has been retained, which adds positively to the frisson and atmosphere of the live events. The CD is housed in a sturdy digipak but there are no liner notes. This is some of the finest Chopin playing I’ve ever heard, and I’d encourage you to snap this limited edition up.
Stephen Greenbank
Availability: DeHaan Records
