LISZT: HUNGARIAN RAPSODY N. 2 (1926)

This piece was very famous at the time of Cortot and we have luckily many good recordings of other pianists of the time. Cortot masters the piece brillianty with phenomenal technique and with  free,  intense,  sensual vitality that centers the gipsy hungarian mood of the Lassan and of the Friska where he plays his own cadenza.

RARE VIDEO – CHOPIN: WALZ OP. 69 N. 1

Rare video of Cortot playing Chopin Walz op. 69 n. 1 (fragment) and Chopin Etude op. 10 n. 1 (mute).  The piano is a Playel, Chopin favourite instrument. Beautiful singing tone! The only interesting comment is the one by Horowitz.

SKRYABIN: ETUDE OP. 12 N. 8 (1923)

This is the only Cortot recording of Skriabin music. It’s very different from the famous fiery and heroic Horowitz execution, sounding more meditative, introspective, in a word  “Patetico” (the indication of the author); in my opinon one of the closest rendering of the meaning of the sense of “Patetico” that should became a point of reference in that regard. A master lesson not to miss by anyone. Only pity that Cortot did not record other Skryabin music.

CORTOT: SCHUMANN KINDERSZENEN OP. 15 N. 13 “PARLA IL POETA”

Rare video of Cortot playing.