Chopin, the Poet of the Piano, Part 1

2022 sees Welsh pianist Llŷr Williams drawing towards the end of an extensive exploration of the piano music of Chopin. This week, Llŷr performs highlights from his series so far, recorded at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff across 2021 and 2022. In today's recital he plays all of Chopin's 24 Preludes. Inspired by Bach's set, Chopin composed his Preludes between 1835 and 1839 using all of the 12 major and minor key. Each prelude is a brief, yet satisfyingly complete, story; the complete set forming a cohesive whole that takes listeners through contrasting moods ranging from lyrical elegance to fiery brilliance.

Introduced by Sarah Walker

Chopin: Grande Valse Brillante, op 34 no 1
Chopin: 24 Preludes, op 28
Llŷr Williams, piano

Producer: Johannah Smith