This DVD conjures up visions of Chopin himself in the fabulous surroundings of the main auditorium of Carnegie Hall in New York, with this memorable recital – also available on double CD – given by Cyprien Katsaris on 17 October 1999 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the composer’s death. Katsaris’ talent radiates in this selection of some of the most beautiful works of the Polish composer: Fantasy, Barcarolle, Sonata no. 3, Lullaby and various nocturnes, waltzes, preludes and polonaises, as well as the two funeral marches. The New York audience was manifestly electrified, giving a standing ovation, repeatedly calling the pianist back for several minutes and finally wresting from him three encores.

CHOPIN Impromptu in c#, Op. 66/4, “Fantaisie.” Nocturnes: in Db, Op. 27/2; in Eb, Op. 9/2; in c#, Op. posth. Etudes: in Gb, Op. 10/5, “Black Key”; in Ab, Op. 25/1, “Aeolian Harp”; in F, Op. 10/8, “Sunshine”; in c, Op. 10/12, “Revolutionary.” Preludes: in e, Op. 28/4; in Db, Op. 28/15, “Raindrop.” Waltzes: in Db, Op. 64/1, “Minute Waltz”; in c#, Op. 64/2. Souvenir de Paganini, B 37. Ballad No. 1 in g, Op. 23 • Warren Mailley-Smith (pn) • SLEVELESS 1002 (55: 05)

Prize-winning British pianist Warren Mailley-Smith is another young artist whose career is off to a running start. Solo debuts in London (Wigmore Hall) and New York (Carnegie Hall) were met with critical acclaim, and in 2011, he soloed with the Royal Philharmonic in Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto. With the release of this Chopin recital, recorded in 2009 at Champs Hill, Mailley-Smith, according to his bio, has six albums under his belt, ranging in repertoire from Mozart and Beethoven to Liszt.


For his Chopin program, Mailley-Smith has chosen a number of the composer’s most popular items—the “Black Key” and “Revolutionary” etudes, the “Raindrop” Prelude, and the nearly two-minute, “Minute Waltz.” Interestingly, he has also chosen pieces from among all but two of Chopin’s major work types or categories. Missing are any selections from the mazurkas and the polonaises. Perhaps the pianist will give us some of those in a future recording.


As I believe I’ve noted once or twice before, Chopin is not one of my favorite composers. Much of his music makes me feel depressed, and not in a good way, his famous E-Minor Prelude, op. 28/4, being a prime example. So, any pianist who can overcome my ambivalence towards Chopin and gain my rapt attention for nearly an hour-long program of his works deserves special notice. Mailley-Smith is such a pianist.


For one thing, by mixing pieces of different types and alternating slow and fast numbers, Mailley-Smith’s recital provides the listener with variety and balance. It also provides the pianist with myriad opportunities to display both his technical prowess and his poetical sensibilities. In neither area does he disappoint. His “Revolutionary” Etude and G-Minor Ballad, for example, are quite electrifying, while his “Raindrop” Prelude and Db-Major Nocturne are truly heartfelt and touching.


The immaculate acoustics of the Champs Hill hall pick up Mailley-Smith’s Steinway with unusual purity and transparency, making this an all-around very desirable and strongly recommended release.

FANFARE: Jerry Dubins

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