New Classics

Burkard Schliessmann has been distinguished by the award of three Silver Medals at the Global Music Awards 2017 – as instrumentalist and ‘classical artist’ and for his spectacular Divine Art album ‘Chronological Chopin’. Divine Art’s first vinyl release is a selection of tracks from this triple SACD, which received glowing reviews from music critics the world over. An audiophile two-disc set recorded and mastered at 24-bit quality, this is a rare opportunity to obtain new recordings of Chopin’s masterpieces in the best sound and by a compelling interpreter. German pianist Burkard Schliessmann is a performer with a passion and vision – to seek out and interpret the forms, colours and textures, indeed the soul and expression: the poetic impact, of works we believe have already been fully explored.

His previous recordings have received worldwide acclaim – ‘Schliessmann is too good a pianist for anyone to pass on this.’ – American Record Guide. Chopin is above all his composer of choice to whom he has devoted endless hours of study and appreciation.

Pressed in 180-gram blue vinyl by Pallas of Berlin in a luxury gatefold sleeve, this is a true collector’s edition. Sound quality is warm yet precise, matching Schliessmann’s sensuous and brilliant performances of this sublime music. The nine tracks include Ballades Nos. 1, 3 & 4, the impressionistic Barcarolle in F sharp minor, the dramatic Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor, and the breathtaking Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat major. Highly recommended.

—John Pitt