The Young Chopin
Azica, 2022
8/10
The debut album from the international award-winning pianist Eric Zuber, these 3 pieces by Frédérick Chopin in his early years are fleshed out with much grace, warmth and adventurousness.
“Variations on ‘Lá ci darem la mano’”, from Mozart’s Don Giovani, Op. 2, opens the listen with very precise, complicated keys that are melodic, unpredictable and full of fascinating, sometimes rumbling and other times upbeat and joyful progressions across the 8 chapters.
“Andante splanato & Grande polonaise brillante, Op. 22” follows, and it comes with a dreamy appeal that illustrates so much beauty from Zuber’s very nimble hands, while “Piano Concerto No. 1 in E. Minor, Op. 11” brings in the sweeping, firm strings that complement Zuber’s finger acrobatics.
The solo performances are nothing short of inspiring, and the addition of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra certainly illuminates Chopin’s young vision, as Zuber makes an indelible impression on this first record.
Travels well with: Miriam K. Smith- Momentum; Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike