Chopin Piano Sonata No.3 - Rafal Blechacz

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Rafał Blechacz (born June 30, 1985 Nakło n. Notecią, Poland) is a Polish classical pianist.

On October 21, 2005 he was the sole recipient of all five first prizes at the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Specifically, he took First Prize and also the polonaise, mazurka, sonata and concerto prizes. According to ABC News, one of the judges, Professor Piotr Paleczny, said that Blechacz "so outclassed the remaining finalists that no second prize could actually be awarded." Another judge, the distinguished Irish pianist John O'Conor, said "“He is one of the greatest artists I have had a chance to hear in my entire life," according to PBS. Blechacz was the first Pole to win the prize (given every five years) since 1975, when Krystian Zimerman won.

Rafal Blechacz - Etude op. 10 no. 8


Pianist and 2005 International Chopin Competition winner Blechacz performs at the "Winners Recital." The set is as follows:

1:43 - Mazurka in B major, Op. 56 No. 1
5:57 - Mazurka in C major, Op. 56 No. 2
7:31 - Mazurka in C minor, Op. 56 No. 3

-applause 13:20

13:55 - "Heroic" Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53

-applause, standing ovation, flowers, 20:37

23:04 - Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2
(those high c-sharps are gorgeous)

-applause, some polish guy talking, 26:35

28:11 - "Minute" Waltz in D-flat major, Op. 64. No. 1

31:57 Mazurka in B-flat major, Op. 17 No. 1

(34:00 end)