"The stakes are high; if I mess up the last bar, the whole recording is ruined." As Dutch pianist Nicolas van Poucke acknowledges, there is an electricity in the room whenever the lathe is on. Direct-to-disc recording generates tension and release unlike other methods, not least in the final moments of a 20-minute solo piano recital. Described as "the young freethinker" of his generation, van Poucke relished the challenge. Having spent day one setting up to record works by Frédéric Chopin, van Poucke changed tack on day two to perform two Beethoven piano sonatas - Sonata No. 12 Opus 26 in A flat major, and Sonata No. 23 Opus 57 in f minor, also known as the "Appassionata".
For fans of great jazz soloists like Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans asmuch as for classical aficionados, van Poucke’s recordings make thebest of the process in capturing a sense of timelessness in the music.
Following up on his Night Dreamer debut, accomplished pianist Nicolas van Poucke returns with a Direct-to-Disc recording of the works of Chopin. “Direct-to-disc is a unique process for classical recordings, and when given the opportunity by Night Dreamer I knew at once that I wanted to record the works of Chopin.”
Originally entering the studio with the intention of recording the Chopin pieces, van Poucke’s technical skill and emotional depth resulted in producing two direct-to-disc recordings, the other being a Beethoven record released in 2022 on Night Dreamer. Although an unusual method of recording for this style of music, the one-take process was met by van Poucke head-on, balancing the fine lines of emotion and detail, and following in the footsteps of the greats who once recorded in this way. Live recordings of classical works are rare and studio recordings lean towards the meticulously edited, with the detail afforded by hi-fi digital clarity often preferred to the warmth and feel of an analogue process. “Overall, with this album, I have aimed to showcase the full spectrum of Chopin's genius, from the intense drama of his larger works to the delicacy and poignancy of his miniatures. Recorded direct-to-disc, thus without any editing, the music is presented in its most honest and purest form, highlighting the utterly communicative aspect of Chopin's music. I am honored to have had the opportunity to record this album for and with Night Dreamer, and I hope that it will serve as a fitting tribute to the timeless beauty and profound emotional depth of Chopin's music.”
Direct-to-disc is a unique process for classical recordings, and when given the opportunity by Night Dreamer I knew at once that I wanted to record the works of Chopin. His music has long held a special place in my heart and remains central to my repertoire.
