ROBERT LORTAT
French pianist (1885 - 1938)

Robert Lortat studied with Louis Diémer (1843-1919) at the Paris Conservatoire.  Diémer, father of the modern French piano school, had been the teacher of Alfred Cortot and Robert Casadesus.  Lortat toured extensively and was known for presenting concert cycles consisting of a group of six recitals of Chopin's music.

Known as one of the great interpreters of Chopin's music in the first half of the 20th century, Robert Lortat had an elegant way with Chopin.  His was not a eclectic and highly personalized approach.  Rather, he offered a clear insight into the notes penned by Chopin with a beautiful and rich tone and an unhurried style imbued with delicacy and subtlety.  Just listen to the seventh étude from Op 25 and try not to swoon.

Robert Lortat was the first to record all of the Chopin études in 1931.  Though Backhaus had recorded Op 10 and 25 in 1928, his set did not include the 3 new études.  As you will see below, he recorded quite a bit of Chopin's music.  I don't know what else he recorded but I would give much to hear some of the mazurkas and nocturnes.

I include the Franck as a curiosity though it does not reflect Robert Lortat's exquisite pianism.  It is the only recording I have found of music by anyone other than Chopin.  Alas, some piano rolls are created much more equal than others.

Chopin  12 Études, Op 10

1 in C major
02:09 ➢ 2 in A minor
03:37 ➢ 3 in E major
07:39 ➢ 4 in C♯ minor
09:51 ➢ 5 in G♭ major
11:29 ➢ 6 in E♭ minor
14:27 ➢ 7 in C major
15:53 ➢ 8 in F major
18:23 ➢ 9 in F minor
20:20 ➢ 10 in A♭ major
22:33 ➢ 11 in E♭ major
24:47 ➢ 12 in C minor

recorded in 1931