Chopin: 4 Scherzi; Variations

Album review

Nikolai Demidenko has strong feelings about pedalling Chopin's music, according to the liner notes for this album, and those feelings serve him extremely well in the Scherzos here. He uses pedal for emphasis, not necessarily for blending and mixing colors, which could result in dissonances or cloudiness. His Chopin is clearer, with more clipped phrasing in many places, than typical performances of Chopin. Combining this terseness with Demidenko's sensitivity makes the Scherzos intense, thrilling, and beautiful, not maudlin or bombastic. The central portion of the Scherzo No. 1 is soothing and gentle, just what the lullaby calls for, and while it contrasts greatly with the presto outer sections, it isn't a harsh contrast because Demidenko keeps his touch soft and smooth even while playing loudly and agitatedly. In Scherzos No. 2 and No. 3 he lets the intensity build over the course of each work so that they are gripping and exhilarating by the end. No. 4 has a similar shape to No. 2 and No. 3, but a lighter attitude, with lithe, swift runs. The two sets of variations that frame the Scherzos are delightful bonbons, not too serious, but not too lighthearted or flashy, either. All together, these are thoroughly pleasing performances by Demidenko of some of Chopin's most dramatic works.

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