Ingrid Fliter - Chopin: Preludes - Philly.com

Remember the era, way back in the 20th century, when the classical-music world seemed to proceed with majestic sameness? When Eugene Ormandy and the Fabulous Philadelphians seemed to go on forever, one Scheherazade at a time? Such stability and artistic centralization are certainly long gone. But in their place? Much fascinating new music - in odd and interesting places.

Best? Worst? All one can really discuss are milestones. And here are some from 2014:

Pianist of the year. Ingrid Fliter is no newcomer, especially since she landed the 2006 Gilmore Artist Award. But with her new Linn label recording of the Chopin Preludes Op. 28, the Argentine seems to be at a new level of depth and individuality. The fingers are as dazzling as ever, but are put in the service of Chopin's A-to-Z inner landscape of the preludes. Fliter is hardly less introspective in a series of Chopin's mazurkas that find her going to the soul of the dance with particularly luminous tone.