Why the French are the Best Chopin Players: The French School of Piano Playing

Why are the French the best Chopin players? In this video, we explore how the French piano school, with its emphasis on color, elegance, rubato, and jeu perlé, has produced some of the most poetic, imaginative, and free spirited Chopin interpreters in history.

Featuring the golden age of French pianism, we dive into the artistry of:
Alfred Cortot: The mystic-poet of the piano, whose phrasing and rubato remain legendary.
Samson François: The jazz infused rebel, unpredictable yet intoxicating.
Eric Heidsieck: A master of clarity and structure, balancing elegance with expressivity.
Magda Tagliaferro: The embodiment of grace and golden age lyricism.
Marcelle Meyer: The perfect blend of intellect and poetry, with luminous jeu perlé.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction
1:05 Chapter 1: The French School of Piano
2:37 Chapter 2: Jeu Perlé
3:25 Chapter 3: Alfred Cortot, excerpt from masterclass
5:57 Cortot brief biography
7:35 Cortot Liszt Sonata in B minor
9:06 Cortot the teacher
9:36 Cortot Chopin Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 in E-flat
10:45 Cortot insane crescendo from Chopin's Funeral march
12:33 Cortot Op. 10 No. 9 etude
13:54 Cortot Ballade No. 1 coda
16:04 Cortot Mozart Turkish March
16:46 Chapter 4: Samson Francois
17:51 Francois brief biography
18:51 Francois Heroic Polonaise
20:36 Francois Scherzo 3 opening
21:38 Francois Scherzo 3 ending
23:36 Francois Ballade 1 coda
25:27 Francois Chopin E minor Concerto
26:52 Honorable mention 1: Eric Heidsieck
28:30 Honorable mention 2: Marcelle Meyer
32:12 Honorable mention 3: Magda Tagliaferro
34:22 Chapter 6: Conclusion

What makes French Chopin so distinctive? How does it compare to German, Russian, or Polish schools of interpretation? And which French pianist do you think best captures Chopin’s spirit? Let’s discuss!

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