Notes and Editorial Reviews
RCA reaches back into the archives to bring us this recording from one of America's most promising pianists. If William Kapell had lived past the age of 31, he may well have been known as one of America's best.
A charismatic performer, the young man had the air of authority at the keyboard--authority stemming from meticulous study and preparation. The performance of Chopin's Sonata No. 3 on this recording was recorded in several sessions over two years. Kapell was working hard to perfect his interpretation of Chopin's lyrical work, balancing physicality and finesse in the face of its lightning fast tempo. So focused on his technique, the approach is almost clinical.
By contrast, the live recording of Chopin's Sonata No. 2 illustrates
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the remarkable achievement of his young career. His charisma and confidence in front of an audience was overpowering, his energy captivating. The vivacious performance is out there on the edge.
Kapell's short career produced several priceless recordings. As RCA remasters its Kapell catalog, fans everywhere will reap the rewards. Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
Sonata for Piano no 2 in B flat minor, B 128/Op. 35 "Funeral March" by Frédéric Chopin
Performer:
William Kapell (Piano)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1837-1839; Paris, France
Date of Recording: 10/22/1953
Venue: Live Geelong, Australia
Length: 19 Minutes 46 Secs.
Notes: This selection was recorded at Town Hall, NYC and RCA Studios, Hollywood, CA.
2.
Sonata for Piano no 3 in B minor, B 155/Op. 58 by Frédéric Chopin
Performer:
William Kapell (Piano)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1844; Paris, France
Length: 24 Minutes 36 Secs.
Notes: RCA Studios, Hollywood, California (1951 - 1952); Town Hall, New York City (1951 - 1952)
3.
Waltz for Piano in E flat major, B 62/Op. 18 "Grande valse brillante" by Frédéric Chopin
Performer:
William Kapell (Piano)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1831; Poland
Date of Recording: 06/24/1952
Venue: Live RCA Studios, Hollywood, California
Length: 4 Minutes 48 Secs.
4.
Nocturnes (3) for Piano, B 54/Op. 9: no 1 in B flat minor by Frédéric Chopin
Performer:
William Kapell (Piano)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1830-1831; Poland
Date of Recording: 02/28/1945
Venue: Live Carnegie Hall, New York City
Length: 5 Minutes 32 Secs.
5.
Songs without words, vol 6, Op. 67: no 5, Moderato in B minor by Felix Mendelssohn
Performer:
William Kapell (Piano)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1844; Germany
Date of Recording: 12/18/1950
Venue: Town Hall, New York City
Length: 2 Minutes 6 Secs.
6.
Romances (3) for Piano, Op. 28: no 2 in F sharp major by Robert Schumann
Performer:
William Kapell (Piano)
Period: Romantic
Written: 1839; Germany
Date of Recording: 12/21/1949
Venue: Town Hall, New York City
Length: 4 Minutes 8 Secs.
7.
Sonata for Piano no 16 in C major, K 545 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer:
William Kapell (Piano)
Period: Classical
Written: 1788; Vienna, Austria
Date of Recording: 03/12/1953
Venue: Town Hall, New York City
Length: 7 Minutes 48 Secs.
Sound Samples
Finale: Presto, non tanto
Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9, No. 1
The Shepherd's Complaint, No. 5
Romance in F-Sharp, Op. 28, No. 2
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