Frédéric Chopin - 4 Scherzos (Antonio Pompa-Baldi)

Information

Composer: Frédéric Chopin

1. Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor: Op. 20, B. 65
2. Scherzo No. 2 in B-Flat Minor: Op. 31, B. 111
3. Scherzo No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor: Op. 39, B. 125
4. Scherzo No. 4 in E Major: Op. 54, B. 148

Antonio Pompa-Baldi, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Steinway and Sons

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Acclaimed pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi released his latest Steinway & Sons album, Chopin: Four Scherzos, on June 5, 2026. In his insightful program notes, Pompa-Baldi explores how Chopin radically transformed the traditionally light "scherzo" genre into a vehicle for dramatic, orchestral-scale intensity and profound poetry. He highlights the striking contrasts defining the first three scherzos, where explosive, stormy virtuosity gives way to tender, contemplative chorale-like episodes. Conversely, the Fourth Scherzo introduces an elegant, Mendelssohnian buoyancy. Ultimately, Pompa-Baldi views the set as the pinnacle of Chopin's genius, balancing rigorous formal structure with an extraordinary, passionate freedom of invention.

Born in Italy in 1974, pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi launched his international career after winning the 1999 Cleveland International Piano Competition and the silver medal at the 2001 Van Cliburn Competition. He maintains an extensive global touring schedule across five continents, performing a vast concerto repertoire of over 60 works at premier venues like Carnegie Hall. A prolific Steinway Artist, Pompa-Baldi has recorded 35 CDs, spanning complete sonata cycles and collaborative duo albums with his wife, Emanuela Friscioni. He currently serves as Head of the Piano Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music and is the founder of the Todi International Music Masters festival.

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