Fantasie Impromptu CIS-Moll Op.66 (Posth.) / Etüde C-Moll Op.10 Nr.12 "Revolutionsetüde" / Liebestraum (Nr.3)

This 78-rpm shellac disc, released by Electrola under catalog number E 41 145, features performances by the celebrated pianist Shura Cherkassky. As a performer known for his individualistic interpretations and technical brilliance, Cherkassky was a natural fit for Electrola, a prominent European arm of the HMV and EMI labels that sought to capture the nuance of mid-twentieth-century virtuosos. The selection of repertoire, pairing Chopin’s dramatic Fantasie-Impromptu and Revolutionary Etude with Liszt’s lyrical Liebestraum No. 3, reflects a classic recital program structure designed to showcase both fiery technical prowess and sensitive, romantic phrasing.

The disc serves as a snapshot of the technical limitations and aesthetic standards of recording during the era in which Cherkassky established his international reputation. By presenting these staples of the piano canon, the recording documents the post-Romantic tradition of interpretation that characterized Cherkassky’s playing throughout his long career. The design of the release follows the standard Electrola house style of the period, prioritizing label legibility and professional cataloging for the classical market, which catered to listeners seeking refined performances of familiar, high-emotion works.