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Improvising the Classics: Chopin Jazz
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The pianist Ted Rosenthal once commented, "Many jazz pianists began their musical education studying classical piano. Why let those years go to waste? The classical repertoire contains a goldmine of material for the jazz pianist."Frederic Chopin wrote almost exclusively for the piano, and his flexible sense of time appeals to jazz musicians. Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson both quoted Chopin in their improvisations, while Bill Evans and Brad Mehldau reflect some of Chopin's sensibilities. Chopin had a unique style. His right hand played with a flexible, wandering rhythm while his left hand kept a strict tempo. This union of freedom and control wasn't heard again until the advent of jazz.
The hour features Chopin interpretations from Gerry Mulligan, Roland Hanna, David Helbock,Harry Allen, Peter Beets and more.
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