Oscar Levant Plays Chopin Etude in C# minor op.10

A reminder that Oscar Levant's celebrity was based upon his reputation as a pianist. He studied with Sigismond Stojowski, a friend and student of Paderewski. He also was a member of George Gershwin's inner circle. The Chopin Etude in c# minor,op.10,no.4., was recorded on August 26, 1946.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Levant
• Chopin
• Etude

[bikiniyes]

Thank you so much for all the hard word it must take to keep this website going. And these rare old gems are our connection with heritage. Sincerely, William Cook Phd Sonora CA 95370

[Beckmesser2]

I appreciate your comment

[moloch49]

"Superlative" and "Oscar Levant" are synonymous - that was fabulous rendition of Chopin!

[puchalaka]

Chopin is the god of piano...

[retrogamerdave]

@Barbapippo yeah, and there's a handful who play it better, too- with less pedal!!

[namelessrevisited]

"You took the words right out of your mouth." Oscar Levant.

[lilypondlane]

@petie32 Levant received electrical shock treatments for depression that left him with impaired coordination and memory. I have also heard, but cannot confirm, that he had the start of Parkinson's Disease. A sad end to a wonderful talent.

[petie32]

I am torn with Levant. His later work was so decimated by drugs and alcohol and nothing he did after about 1955 was recordable. He was fun to listen to and he did have a certain humorous twist but the piano was gone.

[Barbapippo]

Incredible.... there are many famous classical pianists who play this etude much worse than Levant!

[lilypondlane]

Many thanks for posting this.  I had never heard Levant play this before. I think he did a magnificent job. A thrilling piece of music to hear performed so beautifully.

[hitomineko]

I love it <3

[VariationsOnNoTheme]

Oscar Levant! A unique genius! When I listen to his artistry, I recall Robert Schumann's famous proclamation of Chopin: "Hats off, Gentleman, A Genius!" And so it was with Maestro Levant. His 3 books make excellent, and sometimes painful reading with reagards to his personal life; the inner tortures he suffered. Ah! I can so relate! Thank you, Oscar!

[k9fank9fan]

Astonishing.