In this
soul-stirring performance, James Jelasic brilliantly captures these pearls of
Chopin’s genius rarely found in other recordings. His innate musicality and profound
performance technique sustain Mr. Jelasic with an ability to provide the listener with a
clear sense of Chopin’s expressions.
Mr. Jelasic’s interpretative abilities are enhanced by
his vast experience as a piano accompanist who has performed with numerous vocal soloists
on the world’s concert stages to critical acclaim. This experience, coupled with his
degree minor in vocal performance, provides him with a singer’s approach to long
melodic phrases and appropriate musical "breathing." Mr. Jelasic has a rare
piano technique that allows a masterful control of a wide dynamic range and voicing (an
emphasizing of certain notes as they are played against others). Dalton Baldwin and Martin
Katz (two of the world’s premier piano accompanists), have each commended Mr.
Jelasic’s consummate pianism and have marveled at his brilliant use of the pedals.
Alfred
Cortot, (b.1877, a widely respected Chopin scholar,
pianist, and a student of one of Chopin’s students), has remarked in reference to
Chopin’s waltzes, "It is wrong to allow one’s interpretation to slip into a
senseless display of virtuosity, as is the case with most pianists who are insensitive to
the spirit of the music."
This recording of Chopin’s waltzes demonstrates Mr.
Jelasic’s keen sensitivity to the original intent of the composer, and provides the
listener with a remarkably clear insight into the life, times, and personality of
Fr�d�ric Chopin. Those who know Mr. Jelasic best will immediately recognize that this
performance reflects the very essence of the performer himself. The combination of Mr.
Jelasic’s Slavic heritage, unique personality, and innate musicianship provides the
elements necessary to capture and present a most colorful and poignant performance of
these waltzes.
