Chopin: Nocturnes, Barcarolle, Fantaisie [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Claudio Arrau's Chopin Nocturnes have had several CD incarnations, including an attractively priced two-for-one Philips duo that includes the Impromptus. While they may cost more reissued in Philips's 50 Great Recordings series, the works gain sonic heft and dimension via these new 24-bit transfers, with more warmth in the higher frequencies. Arrau considered the Nocturnes among Chopin's most searching, emotionally penetrating works.

Consequently, the pianist aims to read between the music's sentiments through ample rubatos, unorthodox accentuation, and inner drama. The results radically differ from Arthur Rubinstein's benign lyricism, much as Maria Callas's truth-or-dare approach to Bellini contrasted with Joan Sutherland's suave agility. Ornamental passages, for instance, are painstakingly spelled out and shaped in the form of rapid melodies, as in the Op. 55 No. 2 Nocturne's climactic chain of trills and the F-sharp Nocturne's middle-register accompanimental figures. In general, Arrau's grand solidity works best with the darker, more texturally elaborate selections. If the pianist's brooding, worried journey through the Barcarolle causes the music's sublime polyphony to sink upstream, the F Minor Fantasy radiates drive and heroism at every turn in one of Arrau's most inspired recordings. --Jed Distler

Tracks:

Nocturne in b flat, Op.9 No.1
Nocturne in E flat, Op.9 No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.9 No.3
Nocturne in F, Op.15 No.1
Nocturne in F#, Op.15 No.2
Nocturne in g, Op.15 No.3
Nocturne in c#, Op.27 No.1
Nocturne in D flat, Op.27 No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.32 No.1
Nocturne in A flat, Op.32 No.2
Nocturne in g, Op.37 No.1
Nocturne in G, Op.37 No.2
Nocturne in c, Op.48 No.1

Tracks:

Nocturne in f#, Op.48 No.2
Nocturne in f, Op.55 No.1
Nocturne in E flat, Op.55 No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.62 No.1
Nocturne in E, Op.62 No.2
Nocturne in e, Op.72 No.1
Nocturne in c#, Op.posth
Nocturne in c, Op.posth
Nocturne in F#, Op.60
Fant in f, Op.49

Amazon.com

Claudio Arrau's Chopin Nocturnes have had several CD incarnations, including an attractively priced two-for-one Philips duo that includes the Impromptus. While they may cost more reissued in Philips's 50 Great Recordings series, the works gain sonic heft and dimension via these new 24-bit transfers, with more warmth in the higher frequencies. Arrau considered the Nocturnes among Chopin's most searching, emotionally penetrating works.

Customer Reviews:

The Chopin that Would Last.......2005-09-27

I often come back to him for his Chopin. For an alternative of the Nocturnes, Samson Francois's (a French pianist with a strong personality) is a good choice. Moravec's are very impressing too. For a more recent version, viewers might perhaps check out Dang Thai Son (first Asian Chopin International Competition gold medalist), Ashkenazy's regular partner.

I also like Cortot, but you have to withstand the archive sound and some wrong notes. Rachmaninov's Chopin is great too. But the recordings are even more primitive and it is incomplete, so is the case of Sauer. Furthermore, like Friedman, Rachmaninov would alter the score a bit here and there...

So the Chopin that I refer to most are Arrau's other than Cortot. You can go over to him again and again without getting tired: beautiful tone, perfect phrasings beautifully recorded that goes right into the heart of music, and some say he is "deep and searching"...

Arrau's Somber Chopin Nocturnes.......2003-01-04

Available elsewhere as part of a collection of impromptus, Claudio Arrau's distinguished performances of Chopin's Nocturnes and other works sound richer and more vibrant in this remastered set; among the latest in the Philips 50 series. Arrau's performances may not be enjoyable to most, since his playing tends to be quite dramatic, with a darker, more somber vision of Chopin's scores than found elsewhere from the likes of Barenboim and Rubinstein, among others. Still these are remarkable, distinctive performances which should be recognized as among the finest recordings of Chopin's Nocturnes. I doubt I have heard anyone else probe more successfully into the most melancholy aspects of Chopin's personality, done with much elegant, refined playing. Without question this is a splendid two CD set worth owning.

Arrau's dark Chopin Nocturnes.......2001-10-09

A couple of years ago i happened to find in an old out-of-the-way store in my home country Ecuador, almost hidden in a back shelf Arrau's complete set of Chopin recorded for phillips. This 6 cd set included a large number of works of which probably the most amazing were the waltzes and the nocturnes. As for the waltzes, Arrau's rendition was a true revelation as he showed deep angst and sadness in them - a feature rarely stressed in these works.
And then were the Nocturnes. In his interpretation, and useing that so unique grave tone of his, Arrau delivers not only all the music but also darker, almost sinister visions. Psychology, always one of Arrau's favorite topics is pushed to the most and in the most revealing way - you can sense through these performances that beyond all the light of the filigree figurations and melodies lies the extremely troubled soul of Chopin as portrayed by Arrau. Trills, figurations so abundant in these works are played as part of the melodies and not just as ornaments - Arrau in interviews sopke many times of the various ways of playing and interpreting trills as taught to him by his teacher Martin Krause (home my memory serves me right) and here is the perfect example of what he meant.
I have heard other fine renditions of the nocturnes as played by Rubinstein, Barenboim, Biret - but as worthy as they are, doubtfully will they ever be appreciated as the unique, unapologetic, bold, understanding performances Arrau delivered here. This is not necesarilly Chopin to be enjoyed - rather to be disturbed by. Most likely the most truthfull and faithfull performances ever to be recorded of this music, and also by Arrau.

Chopin: Ballade No. 4, Polonaise-fantaisie, Barcarolle, Berceuse

Average customer rating:

untitiled
Ashkenazy's revision of his own Chopin

Chopin: Ballade No. 4, Polonaise-fantaisie, Barcarolle, Berceuse
Fryderyk Chopin
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Chopin: 4 Ballades, 4 Scherzi / Ashkenazy
Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas Nos. 7 & 8; Liszt: Mephisto Waltz

ASIN: B00005OC09
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Tracks:

Ballade No. 4 in F minor, op. 52
Berceuse, op. 57
Polonaise No. 7 in A flat major, op. 61
Two Nocturnes, op. 62: Nocturne in B major, op. 62 no. 1
Two Nocturnes, op. 62: Nocturne in E major, op. 62 no. 2
Three Waltzes, op. 64: Waltz in D flat major, op. 64 no. 1
Three Waltzes, op. 64: Waltz in C sharp minor, op. 64 no. 2
Three Waltzes, op. 64: Waltz in A flat major, op. 64 no. 3
Three Mazurkas, op. 59: Mazurka in A minor, op. 59 no. 1
Three Mazurkas, op. 59: Mazurka in A flat major, op. 59 no. 2
Three Mazurkas, op. 59: Mazurka in F sharp minor, op. 59 no. 3
Barcarolle, op. 60

Amazon.com

This is Ashkenazy's fourth studio recording of the "Barcarolle," his third of the Ballade in F Minor, and his second of the Polonaise-fantasie, and he has found something new to say about each of them. The performance of the Ballade does not supersede his white-hot 1964 recording (available on a Decca Legends disc). But there is a more assured narrative sweep that, without eschewing any important details, makes this new performance a marvel of musical storytelling. The "Barcarolle" is also gentler than its predecessors. Ashkenazy has lost some of his old power, but he has an expanded capacity for playing softly with a full range of nuance for extended periods. Every phrase of Ashkenazy's "Barcarolle" is filled with yearning, nobility, and passion; it's among the best performances of the piece ever recorded. That's also true of the Polonaise-fantasie. Ashkenazy no longer seems to be straining to make sense of this mysterious and episodic piece. He has been performing Chopin's music in public for almost 50 years and has recorded all of it, most of it more than once. It is Ashkenazy's familiarity with his music, perhaps, that permits him to play the greatest and most problematic of Chopin's works almost as if he were dreaming it. --Stephen Wigler

Customer Reviews:

untitiled.......2004-09-08

This recording is good, but I would be lying to you (and myself) if I said it was the greatest recording available.

Ashkenazy's revision of his own Chopin.......2001-11-15

Nearly 3 months ago i wrote a review of Daniel Barenboim's recording of Albeniz piano music - a great recital indeed, and now reviewing this new Chopin cd as played by Vladimir Ashkenazy brings me equal pleasure but a paralel must be drawn between both musicians. Both started their careers as piano virtuosos - Barenboim concentrating on the German repertoire and Ashkenazy virtually on everything he could get his hands on. Apparently at some time both these pianists musthave gotten bored with a soloist career and got into conducting with quite favorable results. Barenboim's tenure in Chicago has brought great innovation to the city, and Ashkenazy's involvement with the Cleveland, Philharmonia, Concertegebouw, and German Orchestras has always brough refined craftmanship and musical understanding. Barenboim went back to the studio with piano music of Albeniz - new to his repertoire, Ashkenazy has chosen to revisit some of his Chopin recordings - the result is breathtaking.
Unlike his previous Chopin recordings, Ashkenazy takes his time and his new rendition of the Ballade No.4 unfolds in a long line of nuances which are yet logical and never overdetailed. He sets ups to tell a story and does so brilliantly.
The Berceuse here is another treasure - played as if every note had its significance and not merely as ornaments. With an ending fading away as the true bed-song it portrays. Without a doubt, it is the best rendition i have ever heard of this work.
The polonaise-fantasie is an odd approach - almost played as another ballade he holds the piece together bringing new voices and recalling themes all about - extremely detailed. The final chordal and octave explosions and polonaise rhythms are barely recognizable as part of the story told before. It is a very personal statement - and coming from a talent such as his it is worth hearing.
A selection of nocturnes, waltzes, and mazurkas follows. Here we get vintage Ashkenazy - clarity, articulation, and some coldness. His final nocturnes simply do not fly as a Horowitz or a Lhevinne. Still, this is great playing.
A passionate Barcarolle closes the program. Ashkenazy pulls the work toward the final chords and the conclusion for once seems integrated into the preceeding framework. Another example of a great pianist in total control of his art.
Ashkenazy must have thought very thoroughly before recording these works again - he must have known that comparisons with his earlier renditions would be made. I am sure he must have felt that he had something new to say about these works before settling into the studio.
And how right he has been in doing so. Regardless of his previous recordings, i can not imagine a better Chopin recital from any pianist today. It is obvious he had something to say about these overly played works - his message to this reviewer has come clear and welcome. Bravo!

Great Pianists of the 20th Century: The Complete Edition

Average customer rating:

Wonderful set
Don't buy the whole thing
Not Insane
insane
For the real music lover

Great Pianists of the 20th Century: The Complete Edition
Great Pianists of the Twentieth Century
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Gavottes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Nonets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Voluntaries | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Airs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00002EITP
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful set.......2004-10-24

This set is for serious piano fans, not for the ones who just start building up a CD library. I sort of agree with one of the reviewers, that there are many repetitions. But if you love piano, you wish to hear the same piece in different interpretations. Indeed, I really like this feature of this set: I can compare the style of various performers.
If you are into piano music, I encourage you to grab this set, if you can find it used (not available anymore at Amazon). I also hope, that there will be a continuation, in which other great pianists, who were left out because of the space limitation, will be included (Prokofiev, Bartok, Dohnanyi, etc).

Don't buy the whole thing.......2001-07-08

I've put a lot of thought into constructing my own piano library, and unless you can easily afford the present set, I would recommend a different approach to collecting piano music. This set emphasizes the piano player rather than the piano composer. Of course both are important. For example, the "Barcarolle" appears in this set EIGHT times. I'm sorry, although I love the piece, if I am going to spend [the money], I would prefer more variety. Where are the Alkan, Medtner, and Szymanawski compositions represented in this set? I appreciate having so many interpretations of the same pieces, but I would also appreciate more exposure to pieces not so popular. The selection by Philips which I consider a somewhat popular selection suggests to me that when Philips constructed this set, they realized most people would be buying the disks separately, and this affected the selection. And it's not just that obscure composers are left out, but also if one spends so much money on piano recordings, you'd think you'd want to buy pieces from a composer in completeness. For example, an alternative way to construct a library would be to combine purchases of complete cycles, e.g. complete Beethoven sonatas, complete Scriabin preludes, etc., along with outstanding recordings of more particular pieces. I'm not sure why someone would want to concentrate so much on so many famous artists, instead of acquiring complete sets of compositions. For me the composer is more important, or at least, if I am going to spend [the money]on piano recordings, I'd prefer more complete, rather than snapshot, exposure to the composers.

Not Insane.......2001-01-02

I had to write this review, as I am enthralled with this set. I have been going through it in order having already purchased a few individual units from the collection earlier. I am not sure what `insane' was talking about as there is NO repetition. Sure some pianists perform the same pieces, isn't that what they did in reality? The idea is to appreciate the different nuances and approaches taken by these artists. You will then enjoy these pieces from a better vantage.

It is a large ambitious contribution to the art of great piano playing. It is a labor of love and represents a tremendous amount of research and cooperation between many record companies. Rather then representing insanity, it is a resource to treasure.

Yes experts can quibble over who was left out, and what performances were inserted. I do not think such a massive undertaking could have been accomplished without someone being able to find faults. Overall however, unless you already have a monumental collection, (it would have to be almost legendary), this incredible set will give you a rewarding look into 74 of the greatest pianist of all time. You will come away with a honed sense of appreciation for your likes and dislikes. You will undoubtedly become someone who will search out recordings and be able to enjoy them for the rest of your life with a refined ear.

The only negative is this price. I would shop around, as it is daunting to spend 2 thousand dollars on such a collection. Of course you do get 200 CD's. However, the used collections might be good to consider.

Enjoy these masterpieces. I am not ashamed of owning this music as `insane' implies. I am proud to have enriched my life.

insane.......2000-10-12

This is not a good library of piano music. The reason is, there is too much repetition. I'm not saying the series is bad. The series is wonderful. But this collection as a whole is a bad libary. For the same money you could collect together (with more effort) an incredible libary of piano music. There are so many wonderful cd's out there, this is just a waste of money. If you can actually afford to spend 2 grand on piano music, then either (1) spend the time and do some research to get a good library of piano music, which will probably include some selections from this collection, or (2) hire someone to do that for you. Personally I would be embarrassed to own this whole collection, since that shows I have put little thought into my purchases of piano music.

For the real music lover.......2000-03-12

This series attempts to present important and representative performances by most of the major pianists of the 20th century. One might quibble a bit with the choices, but the works presented are of consistently high quality, and often do represent what may be the best works of a performer. Since this covers most of the time that recorded music existed, some of the recordings are technically challenged, as there is only so much one can do to enhance an old recording. Still, these appear to have been treated with love and respect in their restorations. Since this series is so large (and expensive!) one is tempted to "cherry pick" through the series, yet by doing so one can easily overlook gems by artists one is less familiar with. This large a set must inevitably have many versions of the same pieces, and takes many hours to listen to. The true enthusiast will appreciate the differences in interpretation, whereas the less experienced listener may find the set repetitive and overwhelming. If one has the time to really dig into this set, it can provide years of exploration and discovery. It would make a wonderful gift for some special music lover in your life ... or for yourself!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Never Gonna Give You Up [CD-single] [Import]

New York Sally

Heitor Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras

Eisbrecher [Enhanced]

Mizell

Oasis

Nippon No Rock Band [Import]

Ocean Beach

In Dreams: Live [Live] [Import]

Melodies Italiennes et Airs d'Operas Italiens [Import]

Live at Sully's

Las Clasicas [Original recording remastered]

La Caro Band Te Salva [Import]

Holst: The Planets; Mathews: Pluto

Big Beautiful Sky