( Grigory Sokolov, 2014, Live) Two Encores
This is a deceptively obscure piece in Sokolov s repertoire. It wasn t part of the sets of ten Mazurkas he played in either 2000 or 2013. Nor the set of six in 1994. But it was part of a set of eight he played in 1977, and almost 40 years later he momentarily revived it as an encore piece, a position it kept for little more than a year before he dropped it again. It would be a shame if it was forgotten since it is a beautiful and thoughtful take on the composition. They are two quite different pianists, but in tone it reminds me of Smeterlin s wonderful recording of the Nocturne in the same key from which you can hear over at Erwin s channel (pianopera). Sokolov s Chopin will of course always be an acquired taste, and the Mazurkas especially so, with the folk element removed and their weight inflated from worldly poetry to metaphysical philosophy, but I ve learned to like them. Nay, love them, for as a personality only Ignaz Friedman is as dear to me in the music. Sokolov
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