Klavierkonzert Nr.2 • Piano Concerto / Polonaisen Nr.6 Op.53 • Nr.3 Op.40 Nr.1

Released by Deutsche Grammophon under catalog number 18791, this recording features the Polish-Belgian pianist Stefan Askenase performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, alongside interpretations of the Polonaises Op. 53 and Op. 40. The recording represents the mid-century tradition of Chopin performance, captured with the Berliner Philharmoniker under the baton of Leopold Ludwig, a pairing that emphasized the lyrical and nuanced qualities of Askenase’s playing style.

Stefan Askenase was widely regarded as a specialist in the Romantic repertoire, particularly Chopin, known for his refined touch and adherence to the composer's structural integrity rather than performative excess. This disc was produced during a period when Deutsche Grammophon was solidifying its reputation for high-fidelity classical recordings in Europe. Askenase’s approach was often contrasted with the more virtuosic, high-voltage interpretations of his contemporaries, earning him a dedicated following among listeners who favored clarity and poise in Chopin’s complex piano works.