This was my father’s first recording which he made when he was in his young 30’s. I have recently revisited the 4th Ballade of Chopin which I have never performed. I plan on recording it and have listened to a number of recordings. Then I remembered my father had recorded this and after listening to this performance, it is truly inspiring.
8 thoughts on “Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor – Morton Estrin (Rare Debut Album Recording)”
OH boy… My brother and I grew up listening to this recording and many others of Dad’s. Having him play in our living room, attending student recitals ( yours and Coren’s) in the studio and performances of your Dad’s gave me an invaluable appreciation and love for classical piano. This recording, particularly was played so often by Mom. The soundtrack of my home.
Wow – that’s unbelievable! This recording is one I didn’t grow up with. It was a little before my time! I am rediscovering it now.
Hi Robert,
I played this piece for your father.
I think that measures 175 and 176 are the two greatest measures that Chopin ever wrote. What I played there wasn’t learned properly and was totally mangled.
Your father yelled from across the room, “What the hell was that??”
— one of my fondest memories of him!
Funny that that’s your fondest memory of my dad! Those two measures are remarkable due to all the rhythmic interplay. My favorite measures of this Ballade is the section just after that. I always get chills when I play them!
yes, it’s a wonderful piece, and your dad’s performance is great — really powerful. By the way, I’ve stolen that line from him — that’s what I say when my students play a passage with a fistful of mistakes.
I’m not sure that’s the one gem of wisdom to cherish – but whatever works!
A very fine performance indeed! It sounds like it was recorded on a Baldwin. Am I right?
Actually, this recording was made before my father became a Baldwin artist and it was recorded on a Steinway. Here is my father on a Baldwin: https://youtu.be/riG8At4ZHsY?si=9cEaT_o94V5C-RlP