The Life and Works of Chopin

This biography of Frederick Chopin, with commentary on his works, including beautifully played samples of the pieces under discussion, is to my mind a near perfect use of the audio format. Siepmann writes with acumen and sympathy about both the man and the music, and reads the narration with equal skill. When dialogue is taken verbatim from letters or journals, four skillful actors are used to bring long dead personalities to life and add texture to the narrative. My only wish would be for an audible signal to alert one that a side is finished. B.G. 2002 Audie Award Finalist. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine