Chopin: Ballades & Impromptus

Album review

Right from the opening of Ballade No. 1, it is evident that Gabor Farkas places the emphasis on achieving a balanced, full sound. The radiant left hand, with its clear articulation (wonderfully exemplified in the introduction of Ballade No. 2), supports a magnificent polyphonic discourse. Ballade No. 3 reveals phrasing which is at times expressive yet always superbly controlled. Nothing is left to chance in this opus. It is structured and logical, yet somewhat free and irresistibly sincere. With its introductory measures, which are reminiscent of Schumann’s “Stimme aus der Ferne” (a haunting theme that permeates Gábor Farkas’ entire performance here), the complex Ballade No. 4 makes extensive use of the suspension pedal, allowing this prominent musician to showcase his sensitivity for each slight harmonic change. The four Impromptus that follow the four Ballades on this album (which was recorded in November 2018 in Hungaroton Studios) confirm that the Hungarian pianist has an excellent command of Chopinian phrasing. Let us not forget that Gábor Farkas, born in 1981 and author of several Liszt albums for Warner, Hungaroton and Steinway and Sons, belongs to the crème de la crème of young contemporary pianists. Christened by Tamás Vásásáry as a “poet of the piano”, this new release therefore acts as a perfect opportunity to rediscover this Franz Liszt Prize winner in his best light. What is more, these outstanding Chopin records are rare enough to appeal to both novice and expert alike. © Pierre-Yves Lascar/Qobuz