American concert pianist Steven Masi explores the depths of Romantic and Impressionist piano literature on Ballades & Other Musings. Emotive, evocative, and deeply stirring, Masi uncovers previously unheard nuances in both Chopin and Debussy, as well as in their contemporary colleague, Sarah Kirkland Snider, whose musical language seamlessly blends with that of her predecessors. The precision in Masi’s performance is breathtaking. It lends an extraordinary clarity to works that are, by their inherent nature, wayward and exalted...

Whilst you may have heard the majority of these pieces before, it's always interesting to discover new renditions from accomplished musicians. Pianist Steven Masi plays with a passion which clearly illustrates how much of a fan of the composers he is.

He takes each piece and injects his own, infectious passion. This comes across strongly, making it hard not to be captivated by works that you may have previously been ambivalent about.

The album contains 11 glorious pieces (1 hr, 23 min, 33 sec) that beautifully fit seamlessly together. A rich album that you'll treasure for years to come.

Track listing:

Frédéric Chopin
01. Impromptu No.3 in G Flat Major, Op.51 (6:46)

Claude Debussy
02. 12 Etudes, L. 136 No. 4: Pour les Sixtes (5:29)

Frédéric Chopin
03. Berceuse in D Flat Major, op. 57 (4:29)

Claude Debussy
04. 12 Etudes, L. 136 No. 2: Pour les Tierces (5:17)

Frédéric Chopin
05. Prelude in C Sharp Minor, Op.45 (6:34)

Sarah Kirkland Snider
06. Prelude (1999) (4:06 )

Claude Debussy
07. 12 Etudes, L. 136 No. 3: Pour les Quartes (7:04)

Frédéric Chopin
08. Ballade No.4 in F Minor, Op. 52 (12:56)

Claude Debussy
09. Ballade, L. 70 (9:45)

Sarah Kirkland Snider
10. Ballade (7:55)

Frédéric Chopin
11. Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54 (13:15)

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Darren Rea