Album Review: Etude in E Dur Op10 Nr3 by Wilhelm Backhaus & Frédéric Chopin
Alright, let’s dive into this gem of a classical album. It’s called Etude in E Dur Op10 Nr3, and it’s got Wilhelm Backhaus tickling the ivories on piano while Frédéric Chopin flexes his genius as the composer. Released under Decca, this record is like a warm cup of tea for your ears if you’re into classical music that feels both grand and intimate.
Now, I’m no music scholar, but I’ll tell ya—this album has two tracks that stuck with me long after the first listen. First up, there’s the titular track, Etude in E-Dur, Op.10, Nr.3. Man, oh man, this piece is just… gorgeous. It starts off simple enough, almost like a lullaby, but then Backhaus brings out these cascading notes that feel like sunlight breaking through clouds. You don’t need to be a classical buff to appreciate how smooth and emotional this one is—it’s the kind of tune that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just breathe for a moment.
Then there’s the Mazurka in des dur, Op.30, Nr.3. This little number sneaks up on you! At first, it feels playful, almost like someone spinning around at a party. But halfway through, Backhaus adds this bittersweet twist that hits different every time I hear it. It’s short, sweet, and kinda haunting in the best way possible. I think what sticks with me most about this track is how personal it feels, like Chopin was letting us peek inside his diary.
Backhaus really nails these performances—he doesn’t overdo it or try to steal the spotlight from Chopin’s compositions. Instead, he lets the music speak for itself, which honestly takes a lot of skill. The recording quality isn’t perfect (hey, it’s not 2023), but that rawness actually adds charm. It’s like listening to history come alive.
You know, reviewing albums like this makes me realize something funny. Classical music gets labeled as “old-fashioned” sometimes, but when you sit down and really listen, it’s anything but boring. These pieces are full of drama, heartbreak, joy—all the stuff we still crave in music today. And honestly? If more people gave albums like this a shot, they might find themselves falling in love with sounds they never expected.
So yeah, give Etude in E Dur Op10 Nr3 a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up humming along to Chopin while folding laundry. Stranger things have happened, right?
