For sheer pianistic prowess, dexterity, beauty and virtuosity this recording is a must for any classical piano fans. Everyone knows that Chopin's Etudes stand as some of the most difficult piano works to master. Well, Leopold Godowsky, a self-taught piano virtuoso, at the relatively young age of 23, began re-working and re-arranging these great pieces to make them even more complex and demanding on the performer in order to further develop technical skills. Technical brilliance is the order of the day under Marc-Andre Hamelin's formidable playing. When listening you get the impression that this is simply a walk in the park for Hamelin. These are also, being originally Chopin works, full of beauty and emotion, regardless of all the technical wizardry. A definite recommendation for lovers of piano music, Chopin, and astounding virtuosity.

Jean-Yves Duperron