Chopin
Deutsche Grammophon, 2026
9/10
The winner of the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition, Eric Lu, sees his performance documented with these 11 detailed selections.
The elegant keys of “Waltz in C sharp minor” opens the listen with Lu’s agile fingers mesmerizing us, and “Nocturne in C sharp minor” follows with strong attention to mood via the emotive capacity and cautious progressions.
Halfway through, “3 Mazurkas” showcases incredible adaptability in both quick and reserved bouts of colorful keys, while “Barcarolle in F sharp major”, the best piece, radiates intimacy and adventurousness via the precise and animated gestures.
“Piano Sonata in B-flat minor” exits and it’s an exciting, often energetic selection that retreats to calmer areas near the end of its multi-faceted delivery.
Lu won this competition in Warsaw, and help from the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Andrzej Boreyko illuminates his stunning playing that certainly does justice to Chopin’s legacy.
Travels well with: David F. Leffkowitz- Preludes And Fugues For Piano; Apollo Chamber Players- Ban Stories Of Censorship