CHOPIN IN PARIS

In attempting to provide a more thorough and personal biography of the famous composer, Szulc delves into the surviving letters to, from and about the composer as written by Chopin and his family, lovers and friends. While the text remains more academic than emotionally revealing, the logical presentation of events in the pianist's life is enlightening. Alexander Adams gives the text its due in terms of professionalism and authority. What dialogue there is in the text, all of it quotes from letters and journals, offers little opportunity for characterization. And Adams gives it none. He presents the work in the style in which Szulc wrote it, that of an academic lecture. This presentation would benefit greatly from some interludes of the composer's work. R.P.L. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 00]