Chopin: Concerto for Piano & Orchestra No. 2; 24 Preludes

Chopin's Second Concerto was actually the first that he wrote. Because it was the second in order of publication, the number two has been stuck to it ever since. Actually, most listeners find it the more successful of the two from a purely formal point of view, because he seems more ready to follow his own natural inclinations in the first movement, and less worried about fitting his unusual and attractive melodies into a predetermined structure. In any case, it's slightly the more popular of the two and Pires, who is a fine Chopin pianist, understands and projects the music as if to the manner born. The Op. 28 Preludes make a very satisfying coupling, and are just as well done. --David Hurwitz