Chopin, by Nicolas van Poucke

Chopin

by Nicolas van Poucke

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

£10 GBP or more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Gatefold double disc 12" vinyl in a tip-on sleeve

Includes unlimited streaming of Chopin via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 3 days

Purchasable with gift card

£35 GBP or more
Cassette + Digital Album
Chopin cassette using high quality RTM tape

Includes unlimited streaming of Chopin via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 3 days

Purchasable with gift card

£10 GBP or more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
2xLP Gatefold Vinyl & cassette made using high quality RTM Tape, includes the album on a CD

Includes unlimited streaming of Chopin via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 5 days

Purchasable with gift card

£50 GBP or more

1.	Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, Opus 45 Polonaise in F-Sharp, Opus 44 16:43		buy track
2.	Nocturne in B Major, Opus 32 No. 1 Four Mazurkas Opus 33 17:04	info	buy track
3.	Three Waltzes Opus 64 09:38	info	buy track
4.	Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Opus 23 10:05		buy track

about

Direct-to-disc is a unique process for classical recordings, and when given the opportunity by Night Dreamer I knew at once that I wanted to record the works of Chopin. His music has long held a special place in my heart and remains central to my repertoire. A towering figure in the
history of piano music, Chopin's genius has left an indelible mark on the world of pianism. His Etudes Opus 10 were a seminal moment in the development of the art of the piano and are studied by every serious pianist at some point in their development.

This new album features a selection of Chopin's works that showcase his mastery in various forms. Some have erroneously described Chopin as a "miniaturist", a label that unfairly suggests that his talents are limited to small-scale compositions. I, for one, wholeheartedly reject this notion; Chopin's sonatas and concertos are just as extraordinary as his shorter works. Nonetheless, his skills as a master of the small form are evident in such pieces as the haunting Nocturne Opus 32 No. 1, four Mazurkas Opus 33, the mysterious and harmonically daring Prelude Opus 45, and three Waltzes Opus 64, including the celebrated "Minute" Waltz, the equally renowned Waltz in C-sharp minor, and my personal favourite, the Waltz in A-flat major. Alfred Cortot, one of my great heroes, once remarked of this waltz that "in this work, nostalgic fantasy holds sway in marvelously fresh ideas, reflected in the unpredictable wanderings of an endearing melody.”

The album also features two of Chopin's larger works, the Polonaise in F-sharp minor Opus 44, a dark and volatile composition that stands as one of his most energetic pieces. Its bold and defiant main theme, as Franz Liszt once noted, is like "the repeated roar of artillery, as if we caught the sounds from some dread battle waging in the distance." A charming and innocent idyllic Mazurka is inserted in the middle of the piece, infused with the sweet perfume of lavender and marjoram. But
this idyllic mood is shattered when Chopin violently breaks in, returning us to the dark and tumultuous Polonaise. The piece concludes with a shuddering chord that leaves the listener bewildered, as if waking up from a nightmare.

The other larger work on the album is the Ballade in G minor Opus 23, a composition that I deeply adore for its narrative power and dramatic sweep. As the final piece on the album, it is a fitting and dramatic conclusion to this collection of Chopin's works.

Overall, with this album, I have aimed to showcase the full spectrum of Chopin's genius, from the intense drama of his larger works to the delicacy and poignancy of his miniatures. Recorded direct-to-disc, thus without any editing, the music is presented in its most honest and purest form, highlighting the utterly communicative aspect of Chopin's music. I am honored to have had the opportunity to record this album for and with Night Dreamer, and I hope that it will serve as a fitting tribute to the timeless beauty and profound emotional depth of Chopin's music.

- Nicolas van Poucke

credits

released January 19, 2024

All pieces performed by Nicolas van Poucke
Composed by Frédéric François Chopin

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Martijn Schouten
Cut by Patrick Scholtens

Produced by George Camdonius and Neal Birnie
Photography by Londonmancer
Sleeve Design by Kai Damian Matthiesen
Piano Technician - Charles Rademaker
Special thanks to Anouk Rijnders and everyone at Record Industry and Artone Studio

Pressed and Manufactured by Record Industry
Recorded direct-to-disc on Monday 26th April 2021 at Artone Studio Haarlem, Netherlands

Night Dreamer 2024 ©

license

about

Nicolas van Poucke Netherlands

‘Van Poucke calms the rebellious strings with determined lyricism. His elegant dexterity is impressive, but what keeps echoing is how he lets the instrument speak meaningfully. For example, if he mimics the rebellious strings with his left hand, before whispering his soothing rebuttal.
A true poetic musician.‘

Volkskrant ... more

contact / help

Contact Nicolas van Poucke

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Nicolas van Poucke, you may also like:

Gary Bartz & Maisha - Night Dreamer Direct-To-Disc Sessions
by Gary Bartz & Maisha

supported by 6 fans who also own “Chopin”

Living legend Bartz teams up with hot London jazz band Maisha. The results are sensational. Oh yeah and guitarplayer Shirley Tetteh is absolutely spellbinding. Musthave. Robert Bloemkolk
go to album
The Light Beyond Time
by Charlie Stacey

supported by 5 fans who also own “Chopin”

Effortless and distinct. Besides the playing I pretty much like the mix. Every instrument in its own space, every instrument perfectly heard. Sophisticated and incredibly dynamic. freejazzy
go to album
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Night Dreamer Direct-To-Disc Sessions
by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

supported by 4 fans who also own “Chopin”

Pretty hard picking a favourite track from this EP. Bought the EP this morning and it's been spinning on a loop all day :-) Boyan
go to album
Midnight Improvisations // Mélodies Pentatoniques
by antinode

Gorgeous piano compositions from antinode that are hushed and moving. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 5, 2021
go to album
Piano Works
by Gabríel Ólafs

These spare compositions from Icelandic pianist Gabríel Ólafs are as gentle as snowfall, as soothing as a winter sunset. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 27, 2020
go to album
Decades (Album)
by Tristan Eckerson

Minimal and emotionally evocative compositions for solo piano in the Ryuichi Sakamoto vein from Cincinnati's Tristan Eckerson. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 18, 2020
go to album
In These Times
by Makaya McCraven

supported by 4 fans who also own “Chopin”

Brilliant album from start to finish. Immensely captivating. toms_zar
go to album