Chopin - Prélude op. 28 no. 15 "Raindrop" - Cor de Groot

This prélude is technically not so difficult, but if you want to play it like de Groot, it becomes very difficult. The way he handles the most crucial problem in this piece, i.e. the pedal and the legato, is incredible. It seems like he is not using the pedal while he of course is using it. The chords in the right hand, and especially in the left hand in the middle part are played in such an astonishing legato that I wonder how he did it - from the first time I listened to this LP of him playing the Chopin préludes.

I have never heard this piece better. De Groot was a superb pianist and deserves to be better known.

From a Philips LP from the early-mid 1950s.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Raindrop
• Regentropfen
• de groot
• chopin
• mengelberg
• otterloo
• beinum
• van der pas
• henkemans
• concertgebouw

[kanerio1x1]

das ist genau so wie es sein muss. alles andere sind penner!

[kanerio1x1]

Thank you!

[BustTheNotes]

I'm trying to learn this piece right now... and have been listening to many performances. I feel like none of them have been "perfect," which is unfair of me I know. I like Agerich's dynamics and independence of voice during the thunderous middle. She ends it better than anyone too, lingering just long enough on that solo melody. I hate her early pedal work and tempo. I like Horowitz' control and consistent emphases on the A flat. This guy clearly takes the cake with pedal work, and tempo.

[ukaykeys]

I prefer this to the performances of Pollini, Pogorelich and others. De Groot takes his time - outstanding!

[PhilPhilUSA]

Definitive performance. The melody is sung in tones as round as pearls and yes.... there is that unnerving structural smoothness...

[Lalitamusic]

A very beautifully deep and emotional interpretation of this incredible prelude. I am sure I have not heard anyone play it with so much feeling. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with the world. It has gone into my "planning to try one day" playlist. It certainly will be the perfect guide if I decide to tackle the challenge.

Love

Lalita