The Guardian praises Beatrice Rana‘s new Chopin album release

Beatrice Rana receives praise for the fearlessness in her Chopin playing in her album released in September 2021 (Photo credit: Simone Fowler)

Classical home listening: Steven Isserlis, Beatrice Rana and more
By Fiona Maddocks
The Guardian
October 9, 2021

Isserlis rediscovers gems from Britten to Adès; Rana is fearless in lockdown Chopin; and Christopher Nupen is in the spotlight.

The Italian pianist Beatrice Rana first recorded music of Chopin a decade ago at the age of 18. Chopin: Études, Op 25 and Four Scherzi (Warner) was made last year, the choice of works influenced by the “unprecedented period” of the pandemic. Here, she more than proves the value of her rigorous perspective. Her technical ease in works such as the B minor Scherzo, which can and should sound chaotic, provides clarity and direction beneath the blizzard of notes. The last three Preludes – Nos 10, 11 and 12 – stand out in scale, a grand, bold, galloping trio in which Rana keeps control, the reins tight but never rigid. The Fourth Scherzo, the only one in a major key, ends this compelling recital with an overriding sense of serenity.

To read the full review, click here.