The all-Szymanowski CD features Masques Op. 34, four of the composer’s twenty Mazurkas Op. 50, four of his nine Preludes Op.1. and Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op.10.
The recording has been highly praised by critics.
The Gramophone periodical, which runs the annual awards, wrote that “Zimerman has all the quick-wittedness and nimbleness called for, not to mention power and agility”. According to PrestoMusic: “This excellent engineering allows all of Zimerman's qualities to come across beautifully, not least his robust but never harsh touch in the lower registers..Often utilising extreme amounts of rubato in the way he shapes the music's phrases, Zimerman's interpretations of this repertoire are frequently highly idiosyncratic and yet always thoughtful, intelligent, and full of the staggering technical and expressive mastery for which he is hugely renowned”.
A critic for The Guardian notes that “Every new release from Krystian Zimerman is a special event, but this one is more so than most...his command of virtuoso brilliance is just as extraordinary as his control of the most subtle nuances of phrasing and pacing. This is a marvellous disc from an utterly exceptional artist”, while The Sunday Times writes: “Here is pianism from the inimitable Krystian Zimerman that reaches exceptional heights of virtuosity, control and colour”.
The winners of the 2023 Gramophone Awards are to be announced on October 4.
At 66, Zimerman is regarded as one of the greatest living pianists.
He rose to prominence after winning the 1975 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, at the age of 19, and has since enjoyed a spectacular career, performing with the world’s leading orchestras and giving a select number of recitals in the most prestigious concert venues.
(mk/pm)