Album Notes

At the age of two Orlando Otey was placed at the piano by his mother. It was 1927 and she had always hoped to have a son who would become a concert pianist. This young pianist went on to give his first concert at the age of four at the Teatro Iris in his native Mexico City.

By the age of five he had toured Mexico and by seven he had toured Europe. He also began composing at an early age, and when he was just 14 he composed his first piano concerto, already having completed a list of other compositions.

In 1940 at the age of 15 while on tour in Mexico, giving three programs of his own compositions that included several mazurkas, nocturnes and etudes Otey was heralded as “The Chopin of Mexico” by critics and listeners. Not only was Otey’s performing of Romantic music remarkable, his own compositions reflected the Romantic style to such an extent that many mistook them for compositions of Chopin.

This collection of Chopin’s music performed by Orlando Otey is representative of a persevering spirit that the composer and pianist have shared. It is hoped the expression and passion exhibited in Otey’s interpretation of Chopin’s music truly inspires the listener.