A few months after winning the 1960 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Maurizio Pollini signed an exclusive contract with EMI and recorded two albums dedicated to the Polish composer. While the first, featuring the Piano Concerto No. 1, was warmly received upon release, the second, comprising the Études faced an uncertain fate. Pollini withdrew his approval during post-production, offering no explanation. For decades, this recording seemed destined to remain unheard. However, in 2011, it was finally approved by Pollini and released in a newly edited version under license by Testament.

This new SACD edition, the first to be remastered in high resolution from the original tapes, not only highlights Pollini’s technical brilliance but also reveals the touching sensitivity of the 18-year-old pianist.