Frederic Chopin Etude in A minor op. 10 no. 2+Leopold Godowsky Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus" by Archie Chen Pianist published on 2013-08-11T23:05:06Z Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, pianophiles, and adventure seekers alike, prepare to embark on an auditory journey like no other. Today, the great pianist Archie Chen will perform Leopold Godowsky's mesmerizing Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus" – a composition so delightfully treacherous it will leave you questioning the very limits of human dexterity. From the mind of Godowsky, the mad scientist of piano, comes a set of 53 arrangements that would make even Chopin's most nimble fingers tremble in fear. Schonberg once quipped that they are "the most impossibly difficult things ever written for the piano," and we dare say he wasn't far off the mark! But what's all this about Ignis Fatuus, you ask? A term that conjures images of spectral lights and ghostly marshes, it refers to the deceptive luminous phenomena that have haunted folklore for centuries. These mischievous lights, known as Will o' the Wisps or Jack o' Lanterns, have been said to lead travelers astray, luring them to their untimely doom. Whether the spirits of the drowned or the souls of unbaptized infants, these eerie orbs have captured the imagination and terror of many a night wanderer. And so, the stage is set for Archie Chen's spellbinding rendition of "Ignis Fatuus." Listen in awe as he transfers Chopin's already devilish right-hand etude into the left hand – a feat of pianistic prestidigitation that would leave even Houdini gasping for breath. As the haunting melody flits and flickers like the enigmatic lights it emulates, you may find yourself lost in its bewitching allure. But fear not, dear listener! For Archie Chen is your guide through this labyrinth of notes, and he shall lead you safely back from the brink of pianistic pandemonium. So sit back, relax, and let the otherworldly beauty of Godowsky's Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus" wash over you like a mysterious, flickering flame. And remember, don't follow the light... unless, of course, it's Archie Chen's dazzling fingers dancing across the keyboard! My SoundCloud Channel: @archie-chen Official Website: www.archiechen.com Youtube DIPF www.youtube.com/c/PianofestivalIe Youtube Archie www.youtube.com/c/ArchieChenPianist Festival Website: www.pianofestival.ie Teaching Website: www.pianoacademy.ie Unedited live recording Piano: Hamburg Steinway B Piano Technician: Martin Walsh Recording Engineer: Joey McDonald Piano provided by Pianos Plus Genre Piano Solo Comment by Shishir Thadani Brilliant! 2016-02-01T14:08:14Z Comment by Shai Agmon excelent performance! great dynamic control and sensitivity 2013-10-21T06:23:01Z Comment by paradisenauts great performance! 2013-09-23T18:58:49Z Comment by Anomon love the ebb n flow of this piece... 2013-09-06T20:00:43Z Comment by MACRIMA Enjoyed it a lot! Great! 2013-09-04T11:51:11Z Comment by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse (Danae Vlasse) Wonderfully precise and light! 2013-09-02T18:55:00Z Comment by Bergplus This piece is well played and enthralling! 2013-08-27T08:38:11Z Comment by Chris-Jolley I also enjoyed listening to this piece - thank you for sharing it :) 2013-08-24T23:08:37Z