Chopin 12 Etudes Op. 10 (nos. 11 & 12) Sandro Russo Pianist

Frederic Chopin: 12 Etudes op. 10
Nos. 11 in E flat major and 12 in c minor ("Revolutionary")

Live performance in San Giovanni Gemini (Italy) by Sandro Russo (summer 2004).

www.sandrorussopianist.com

Twelve Etudes, Op. 10
dedicated to Franz Liszt

No. 11 is a major study in widespread chords, to be broken simultaneously in both hands. It
develops extensions of the hands, suppleness of the wrists and the ability of the little fingers of
each hand to balance and project melody and bass. Harplike, spacious harmonies and an elegant
theme disguise its formidable challenges for the pianist - as Chopin, one more time, directs us
with great originality into the music and away from the technique.
No. 12, paired by Chopin with the preceding study, is known to all as the "Revolutionary"
etude. Supposedly inspired by news that the Russians had invaded Chopin's Polish homeland, its
dramatic, martial sweep results from a reversal of the technical demands of No. 8: arpeggiated
figures now roar up and down the bass of the piano while impassioned, sharply rhythmic motives
in the right "cry out in revolt ... animated by a mysterious and terrible force" (Cortot). So
suggestive is this music that listeners have no difficulty in imagining it as an expression of
patriotic pride, defiance and rage. Certainly, it ends the set of etudes with a degree of bravura
dynamism beyond the capabilities of any other 23-year-old composer in the Romantic Era.
© Copyright by Classical Music Corner 1996.

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[michelmans]

A great pianist! Bravo

[kasyapa]

lovely, expressive, crystalline. an excellent performance by a meaningful pianist.

[pianoinv]

Excellent!!