"Vladimir Sverdlov: a miracle." Such was the welcome reserved by the Belgian musical press for the performance of this 22 year-old Russian pianist in the Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition of May 1999. Spontaneity, imagination, extraordinary variety in performance, disconcerting ease, melodic maturity: these are the qualities that stand out in the itinerary of this fiery virtuoso, a pupil of Vladimir Karinev, Nikita Magaloff and Arie Vardi. We can hear him in a programme that eminently suits him: a recital of some of the finest works by Frédéric Chopin. At a time when the piano, the iconic romantic instrument, became the preferred vehicle for the composer's ideas and passions, the style of the works on this CD reveal Chopin's taste for the essential and for simplicity, leaving the performer formidable scope for imagination and expressivity. Vladimir Sverdlov audibly revels in his interpretation!