Carl Friedberg plays Chopin Polonaise in F-Sharp Minor

A 1949 broadcast recording of Carl Friedberg playing Chopin’s Polonaise in F-Sharp Minor . The 77-year-old disciple of Clara Schumann and Brahms plays with volcanic passion and intensity that many a younger pianist would aspire to, fused with both intelligence and emotional depth. The towering octaves and booming bass notes are wonderful tempered by an exquisitely burnished melodic line, and Friedberg’s use of dynamics to build tension and timing to hold the listener in rapt attention are absolutely masterful. Issued on the Arbiter label: Here is my 150th anniversary tribute to Friedberg: If you wish to support The Piano Files, please consider membership on Patreon: