Charles Rosen, piano

Fryderyk Chopin: 2 Nocturnes, Op.62
Fryderyk Chopin: Barcarolle in F sharp, Op.60
Fryderyk Chopin: Mazurka in A flat, Op.50 No.2
Fryderyk Chopin: Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.63 No.3
Fryderyk Chopin: Waltz in C sharp minor, Op.64 No.2
Fryderyk Chopin: Ballade No.4 in F minor, Op.52
Interval
Fryderyk Chopin: Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor, Op.58

Charles Rosen is a rare phenomenon - a distinguished scholar, educator, writer and musical philosopher who is equally renowned for his piano performances. The artist's empathy with Chopin should make this recital a must-hear event. Born in 1927, Rosen studied with the great Moritz Rosenthal, a pupil of Liszt, and also names pianist Josef Hoffmann and maestro Arturo Toscanini as vital influences. His Chopin recital is drawn from the composer's later years, including his tender Op.62 Nocturnes, the magically Italianate Barcarolle and the wonderful quasi-narrative expanses of the Fourth Ballade. Finally we hear the composer's most substantial creation - his Sonata No.3 in B minor.

'From the opening... Rosen cast a spell of mystery and tension, of a vision understood. This set the pattern for the evening... A historic occasion.' (The Independent)

Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall at 5.30pm, Saturday 14 May 2011 - Talk by Charles Rosen, The Romantic Revolution. Admission by separate free ticket available only to ticket holders of the 3pm Queen Elizabeth Hall recital on Sunday 15 May. Tickets for the talk must be booked with the 15 May concert ticket from Southbank Centre Ticket Office (subject to availability). Not available on-line.