Transkrypcje utworów Fryderyka Chopina (nagrania) (PDF 1,48 MB)

Abstract

The earliest known transcription of a Chopin piece is Mazur from
Concerto, Fantasia and Rondo Motifs, Arranged for Fortepiano by
A. Orłowski (1830). Many later transcriptions were known for several decades in print before they were recorded.
The oldest recording, made by Julius Block on 22 Nov. 1891 in
Moscow on a phonograph cylinder, is of Nocturne in E-Flat Major,
op. 9 no. 2 (perf. Louisa Margaret Nicholson – voice, Piotr Szurowski – piano). The 1995 release Chopin Viardot by SELENE includes
12 mazurkas transcribed by Pauline Viardot.
Printed editions are much more numerous. Of the 10774 primary
publications till 2020, 4197 are recordings and 988 are reissues of
the latter (plus varia). At present, recordings are more frequent than
prints, and Chopin arrangements have entered the popular music
scene.
Regarding Chopin transcriptions, Nocturne in E-Flat Major, op. 9
no. 2 is most frequently recorded. Scoring varies greatly, but piano
solo and various instrumental ensembles prevail. Many musicians include transcriptions in their repertoires; some create their own arrangements. Improvisation is a crucial aspect of this subject, especially
in jazz. A Chopin-based jazz recording appeared as early as 1938, followed by more in the 1940s and 50s. In Poland, jazz Chopin recordings were pioneered by Novi Singers quartet in the 1970s. Pianist
Leszek Możdżer records Chopin-based projects. Folk bands likewise took up Chopin.
Of the many record labels to have released Chopin transcriptions,
Columbia Records, Gramophone Co., and DUX are the most prolific. Of the varia, Schumann’s no. 12 Chopin from his Carnaval,
op. 9 is most often recorded.
One reason why prints are far more numerous than recordings is
the time gap. Many printed arrangements have never been recorded,
while many recordings are premiere releases.
The rich discography of Chopin transcriptions confirms Chopin’s topicality and vitality, as well as the continued need for contact with his
music. These recordings have significantly contributed to the history
of Polish musical culture.