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Katia Skanavi, Piano
PPR224522 Total Playing Time 55’ 17”
Chopin: Sonata No.2, Introduction & Variations Op. 12, etc.
Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849)
Introduction and Variations on "Je vends des scapulaires" from Hérolds Ludovic in B-flat Major, Op.12
Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise Brillante in E-flat Major, Op.22· Andante spianato. Tranquillo· Allegro molto - Meno mosso.
Berceuse in D-flat Major, Op.57
Nocturne in C-sharp Minor, Op. Posth
Sonata No.2 in B-flat Minor, Op.35·
Grave - Doppio movimento· Scherzo· Marche funébre· Finale - Presto
Chopin: Introduciton & Variations in B-flat Major, Op.12
Chopin has been called “the poet of the piano”—but he was an audacious one. In an age which worshipped solo virtuosity, he shunned playing to the crowds. He composed and performed not to enterta9in, not for self-aggrandizement. Instead, he focused on the piano itself, fascinated by the instrument’s technical and sonic potential, he explored the expressive range of ever register, the possibilities of every imaginable touch. He filled his music with unorthodox gestures, and bestowed perfect symmetry and proportion on what might have become a perplexing profusion of ideas in other hands. With his infallible instinct for idiomatic piano written, he brought an unprecedented freedom and suppleness to his style., By choosing great Italian singers as models rather than other pianists, he became scrupulous about phrasing and advocated a full-toned legato. His fresh approach to the piano set new standards of performance. Indeed, Chopin did it “his way.,” In the process, he discovered the soul of his favored instrument.
From the original Liner Notes of Kathy Henkel
Katia Skanavi, Biography
Katia Skanavi, Pianist
Born into a family of musicians and filmmakers, Russian pianist Katia Skanavi’s brilliant international career began in 1989 when she created a sensation at the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud International Piano Competition. The jury only awarded Miss Skanavi the Third Prize. However, the enthusiastic Parisian public chose her for the Audience Prize and filled the Salle Pleyel on her 18th birthday for her performance of the Saint-Saens Concerto # 2 with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.
Though again not the winner, Miss Skanavi was arguably the most popular finalist at the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and subsequently received the Steven De Groote Memorial Award for her riveting performance with the Tokyo String Quartet.
From her success at The Cliburn came repeated touring engagements throughout North America and heightened international notoriety from Playing with Fire, a documentary about the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, airing internationally since 1997.
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