Chopin: Études

1	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
2	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
3	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
4	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
5	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
6	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
7	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
8	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
9	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
10	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
11	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
12	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
13	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
14	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
15	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
16	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
17	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
18	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
19	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
20	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
21	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
22	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
23	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
24	Etudes (12) for piano, Op
Chopin: Études
1.	Etude for piano in C major, Op. 10/1, CT. 14 1:59
	Composed by Frédéric Chopin
	Performed by Murray Perahia
2.	Etude for piano in A flat major, Op. 25/1, CT. 26 2:15
	Composed by Frédéric Chopin
	Performed by Murray Perahia

Barnes & Noble

Thousands of piano études (or studies) were written in the 19th century, though you probably wouldn't want to hear the vast majority of them, as they offer precious little interest to the listener. Chopin's études, on the other hand, are as fascinating and beautiful as anything he composed, and they require a pianist with a profound poetic sensibility as well as fingers of uncommon strength and flexibility. Murray Perahia is just the man for the job, and this recording of all 24 études (gathered together in two sets, Op. 10 and Op. 25) has been eagerly awaited by pianophiles for many years. Perahia takes what might be described as a Classical approach, eschewing conspicuous rubato (rhythmic freedom) for a taut melodic line and clarity of voicing. Yet, paradoxically perhaps, this disciplined style of playing shows just how forward-looking Chopin's music was; some of its pages seem only a step away from Debussy. Not since Maurizio Pollini (DG) has there been such a compelling recording of these amazing miniatures. Andrew Farach-Colton

All Music Guide

Is this disc really necessary? With spectacular recordings of Chopin's etudes by Horowitz, Richter, Moravec, and Pollini readily available, is a new recording by Murray Perahia really necessary? Except for fans of the pianist, probably not: the poetic Perahia has nothing new to add to the already profoundly poetic performances of Moravec and Richter, and the virtuoso Perahia cannot compete with the astonishing virtuosity of Horowitz or Pollini. And while fans of the pianist will be gratified by Perahia's beauty of tone and astounded by his jaw-dropping virtuosity, not even they would be able to say that Perahia's very fine recording is in the same league as the sublime Horowitz, Richter, Moravec, or Pollini recordings. For collectors of Murray Perahia, a collector of Chopin's etudes, or a collector of any recent pianists' interpretations of standard repertoire, this disc may be necessary. But the less-avid listener is directed to the recordings of Horowitz, Richter, Moravec, or Pollini. James Leonard

New York Times

[Perahia's] playing is bracing, risky, almost wild.... Finally, though, Mr. Perahia can't prevent his poetic sensitivity from coming through. Lovely nuances and supple lyricism enhance his accounts of étude after étude. Anthony Tommasini

BBC Music Magazine

Murray Perahia has waited a long time to record the two complete sets of Chopin studies and the wait has certainly been worth it.... His intentions are clear in the very first Study, where he brings a sense of awareness to the bass as the guiding intelligence behind the brilliant figuration in the right hand and, overall, unusually expressive variations of volume. Adrian Jack