Chopin: The Nocturnes

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Ashkenazy recorded the Nocturnes at various times in the 1970s and early 1980s. The accounts are extremely pianistic and long on virtuosity, and while the interpretations are straightforward, they go directly to the mood of the pieces. London's sound--part analog, part digital--is uniformly good. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Preludes, Op. 28: No. 1 In C Major Agitato)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 2 In A Minor (Lento)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 3 In G Major (Vivace)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 4 in E Minor (Largo)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 5 In D Major (Allegro molto)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 6 In B Minor (Lento assai)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 7 In A Major (Andantino)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 8 In F Sharp Minor(Molto agitato)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 9 In E Major (Largo)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor (Allegro molto)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 11 In B Major (Vivace)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 12 In G Sharp Major (Presto)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major (Lento)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor (Allegro)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major (Sostenuto)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor (Presto con fuoco)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A flat Major (Allegretto)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor (Allegro molto)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 19 In E Flat Major (Vivace)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 20 In C Minor (Largo)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 21 In B Flat Major (Cantiabile)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 22 In G Minor (Molto agitato)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 23 In F Major (Moderato)
Preludes, Op. 28: No. 24 In D Minor (Allegro appassionato)
Cantabile In B Flat Major: Cantabile In B Flat Major (Andantino)
Nocturne In E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 (Andante): Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 2 (Andante)
Contredanse In G Flat Major (Allegretto)
Nocturne In C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth. (Lento con gran espressione): Nocturne In C Sharp Minor (Lento congran espressione)
Nocturne In C Minor, Op. posth. (Andante sostenuto): Nocturne In C Minor (Adante sostenuto)

Customer Reviews:

Chopin a very unique pianist.......2007-07-21

Fryderyk Chopin was a concert pianist who created his own compositions. They are as sad as they are beautiful. This record allows the melancholy of the composer and pianist to really show. It is well recorded and seems to attempt to portray the artist music with it full intensity.

Chopin's Harmonies.......2007-07-12

I found this cd to be a great listening tool when working on Chopin's Preludes. The pianist is very sensitive to the Romantic musical style, allowing for a sense of understanding of some of the most difficult harmonies of the 19th century. Highly recommended!

Relaxation.......2007-07-12

This beautiful music was purchased for relaxation and it is perfect for that. I play it while reading or getting ready for sleep.

Bravo!.......2007-01-15

Sheer poetry. Barto slows down the slow preludes, much to their advantage, finding in them more beauty and meaning than you previously thought was there. Listening to them is like watching a rose open in slow motion. But to make this succeed as a cycle, and to maintain overall scale, he has to pull back on some of the faster pieces, to their minor disadvantage. A real winner!

Magnificent.......2006-12-05

I was unfamiliar with Tzimon Barto until introduced to his work by a new Amazon friend. I'm very grateful, indeed.

These Chopin preludes and nocturnes, to which I listened as a young woman on Vladimir Horowitz LPs, are extremely well executed here, with the additional advantage that the CD is available at an unbelievably low cost.

If you love Chopin, specifically, or classical compositions for piano in general, I can't recommend this recording highly enough.

Average customer rating:

masters of classical music
A good basic collection
An excellent introduction to classical music
Very Beautiful!!!!!1
Still Stuck on Beethoven

Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

25 Classical Favorites
Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
The Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music, Vol. 6-10
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

ASIN: B000001VU5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Piano Concerto In A Major, K 488: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Flute Concerto In D Major, K 314: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Symphony No. 40 in G minor: Molto allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Clarinet Concerto KV 622: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Serenade, K 375: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Turkish March - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Violin Concerto, K 216: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Divertimento, K 334: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Horn Concerto, K 447: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Cassation, K 99: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Tracks:

Overture No. 4 In Major: Rejouissance - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 3 In D Major: Air - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: I. Allegro - J.S.Bach
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 2 In B Minor: Menuet & Badinerie - J.S.Bach
Prelude In C Major - J.S.Bach
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor - J.S.Bach
Prelude In C Minor - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 1 In C Major: Passepied - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F Major: II. Adagio - J.S.Bach
Kommst du nun, Jesu vom Himmel herunter, Chorale - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: II. Allegro - J.S.Bach
Violin Concerto In E Major: I. Adagio - J.S.Bach
St. Matthew Passion: Finale Chorus: 'Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder' - J.S.Bach

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Fur Elise - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Violin Romance No. 2 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Minuet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 8 In F Major: Allegretto scherzando - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Coriolan: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Egmont: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Die Fledermaus: Die Fledermaus (Excerpts) - Johann Strauss
Wine, Woman And Song - Johann Strauss
Tritsch Tratsch Polka - Johann Strauss
The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss
The Gypsy Baron: Introduction - Johann Strauss
Annen Polka - Johann Strauss
Vienna Blood - Johann Strauss
The Gypsy Baron: Einzugsmarsch - Johann Strauss

Tracks:

Tannhauser: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Dance Of The Prentices - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude Act 3 - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Aufzug der Meistersinger - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Der fliegende Hollander: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Lohengrin: Prelude - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Tristan und Isolde: Prelude And Liebestod - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Tannhauser: Arrival Of The Guests At Wartburg - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1: Allegro non troppo - Peter Tchaikovsky
String Serenade: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Violin Concerto: Andante - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Introduction - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Pas d'action - Adagio - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Capriccio italien Op. 45 - Peter Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Scene No. 10 - Peter Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - Peter Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: Spring - VIVALDI, Antonio
Siciliano - VIVALDI, Antonio
Concerto In D Minor:: (Allegro Assai) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Summer - VIVALDI, Antonio
Oboe Sonata In B Flat Major, RV 34: Adagio - Allegro - Largo - Allegro - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: Autumn - VIVALDI, Antonio
Oboe Concerto: Allegro non tasto - Largo - Allegro non molto - VIVALDI, Antonio
Concerto In D Minor: (Largo e spiccato) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: Winter - VIVALDI, Antonio

Tracks:

Scherzo No 1 In B Minor, Op. 20 - Frederic Chopin_
Three Nocturnes, Op. 9: No 3 In B Major - Frederic Chopin_
Twelve Etudes, Op. 10: No 5 In G Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
Twelve Etudes, Op. 25: No 10 In B Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major 'Raindrops' - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor - Frederic Chopin_
Scherzo No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 31 - Frederic Chopin_
Waltz In E Flat Major, Op. 18 - Frederic Chopin_
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth. - Frederic Chopin_
Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 3 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 4 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_

Tracks:

Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
Impromptu In E Flat Major - Franz Schubert
Standchen - Franz Schubert
Trout Quintet: Tema con variazioni - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 1 - Franz Schubert
Moment Musical In A Flat Major - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 2 - Franz Schubert
Moment Musical No. 3 In F Minor - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Ballet Music No.2 - Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': Allegro moderato - Franz Schubert

Tracks:

Nabucco: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
Nabucco: Va pensiero, sull'ali dorate - Verdi, Giuseppe
Aida: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
II Trovatore: Verdi! le fosche notturne (Gypsies' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
II Trovatore: Or co' daddi, ma fra poco (Soldiers' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
Aroldo: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Noi siamo zingarelle - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata:: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Di Madride noi siam mattadori - Verdi, Giuseppe
La forza del destino: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe

Customer Reviews:

masters of classical music.......2007-03-26

A nice collection for the classical listener. Great variety of composers and the music quality of the cds are very good.

A good basic collection.......2006-11-10

With selections from numerous composers, it is an easy way to familiarize oneself with some of the most popular classical works and excerpts. A pleasant listen for the initiated too.

An excellent introduction to classical music.......2006-10-18

This is an excellent introduction to classical music. Well performed and presented.

Very Beautiful!!!!!1.......2006-10-05

If you are a fan of classical music then you better get this set. Not only is it very cheap, 10 Discs for about 2$ per disk. Now where are you gonna find a deal like this. I actually found mine chaper, $20.00 even and the music is outstanding. If you had a very bad day and very stressed out, just put in one of these cds, lay down, dim down the lights and just relax. It really helped me out.

Still Stuck on Beethoven.......2006-08-22

I just recently started listening to classical music so I'm certainly not one to compare or critique the quality of this set. However, I do have a few comments...

My interest started in this genre of music because I'm researching my ancestry in Prussia and this is the music of those times. Never mind my ancestors were poor peasants who probably never got the chance to hear such wonderful music... when listening to these CDs, I'm taken back in time... to a royal court in Europe... to another place in time. The music is inspiring, relaxing, invigorating.

I have yet to listen to all the CD's in the set. I'm stuck on Beethoven! Wasn't he AWESOME!?!

I think this set is a wonderful introduction to classical music!!!!!

Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus

Average customer rating:

Great set, with a couple let-downs.
Serious sound issues
You must, among others, have this set.
Returning the "night" to the night piece
Don't know what to make out of it

Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy
Chopin: Waltzes Nos. 1-14
Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0000041ND
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

Nocturnes: No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9 No. 1
Nocturnes: No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 9 No. 2
Nocturnes: No. 3 In B, Op. 9 No. 3
Nocturnes: No. 4 In F, Op. 15 No. 1
Nocturnes: No. 5 In F Sharp, Op. 15 No. 2
Nocturnes: No. 6 In G Minor, Op. 15 No. 3
Nocturnes: No. 7 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No.1
Nocturnes: No. 8 In D Flat, Op. 27 No. 2
Nocturnes: No. 9 In B, Op. 32 No. 1
Nocturnes: No. 10 In A Flat, Op. 32 No. 2
Nocturnes: No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 37 No. 1
Nocturnes: No. 12 In G, Op. 37 No. 2
Nocturnes: No. 13 In C Minor, Op. 48 No. 1

Tracks:

Nocturnes: No. 14 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 48 No. 2
Nocturnes: No. 15 In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1
Nocturnes: No. 16 In E Flat, Op. 55 No. 2
Nocturnes: No. 17 In B, Op. 62, No. 1
Nocturnes: No. 18 In E, Op. 62 No. 2
Nocturnes: No. 19 In E Minor, Op. 72 No. 1
Nocturnes: No. 20 In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth.
Nocturnes: No. 21 In C Minor, Op. Posth.
Impromptus: No. 1 In A Flat Major, Op. 29
Impromptus: No. 2 In F Sharp Major, Op. 36
Impromptus: No. 3 In G Flat Major, Op. 51
Impromptus: No. 4 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 66

Amazon.com

Claudio Arrau considered the Nocturnes among Chopin's deepest, most searching works, rather than mere descriptive mood paintings, and he plays them that way. The same can be said vis-à-vis Arrau's Impromptus, with brooding textures and cosmic breadth that leave the drawing room behind. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Great set, with a couple let-downs........2007-05-31

Having owned the set for about a year now, I'm sorry to be giving it four stars, as Arrau brings something special to almost every one of Chopin's nocturnes. In short, his playing is occasionally labored, but for the most part he does carry melodic lines very well (and has a very natural and satisfying sense of rubato). The recorded sound isn't terrific, and all things considered I'm giving the CD four stars.

I'd like to add that I don't understand some other reviewer's complaints about heavy breathing or extraneous noises, as on my high-end speaker system I hear nothing out of the ordinary.

Serious sound issues.......2007-05-16

Most other reviewers here are, thankfully, much better qualified to review Mr Arrau's talents and interpretative strategies than I. However, what no one has mentioned up here (to my knowledge anyway) is the abysmal static issue on both discs. Almost every ten seconds a static wave obtrudes itself onto the sound--you can anticipate it and you will cringe every time you hear it (at least I did). It makes Chopin's beautiful numbers unbearable at parts, for Chopin relies so much on a pure and clear atmosphere of pensive motion--and this cannot be maintained on discs encumbered with such noxious static. Stand warned.

You must, among others, have this set........2006-11-24

Arrau's playing is unique, a throwback to the age of the romantic virtuoso of a century long gone. This set is rightfully famous, and is, with the 60's collection by Rubinstien and the 90's set by Pires, the three I have always most loved and recommended, though each is very different in its approach. Of the three, Rubinstein's is the most faithful to the "letter" of Chopin's score, but even then, Rubinstein's indomitable personality shines through. Pires takes some liberties with speed and dynamics-- so she rests nominally in the middle.

Then there is Claudio Arrau, and I agree with another reviewer that the pianist indeed treats each note as if matters. Does he dwell too much, slide into notes, take different dynamic turns, play with a rubato just this side of Paderewski or Busoni, and bathe the music in pedal at times?--yes, all of that. But let's face it, there is no "right" Chopin, and no recorded collection that is the be-all--because if so, it would sell Chopin's genius far short of its due. I and others choose to listen to all the above sets on their own terms and love all of them-- likewise the Cortot, and available selections of Horowitz, Godowsky, Friedman, Hofmann, etc. (Not to mention more recent, sublime interpretations in the concert hall by Tzimon Barto.) In any event, this 70's Arrau set holds its own,in its own way, with any and all of the above.

For years, this was the set I listened to on LP, both at home and transferred to cassette to play in the car. Rubinstein's later became a favorite for me, finally Pires's. For purposes of sound, either of the latter two are preferable, but sound is definitely a secondary issue. Regarding that, I must say that the CD remastering of the Arrau has heightened not only the breathing issues, but also the too-close miking of the keyboard, so that, especially in one channel of the stereo mix, the sound the piano mechanism itself is often heard. That's close miking, too close really, but so what. I can live with it and with Arrau's exchange of breath for the individual quality of his music.

In summary, this set should be in every collection, but so should the others, and perhaps three or four more that could be mentioned-- Cortot, perhaps Ashkenazy and Zimmerman too. Why so many? These pieces are part of the bedrock of romantic pianism, and far deeper in intellectual and spiritual intent than they are often credited with. On that, I agree with Arrau, that Chopin starts here, and should, after a wide foray, also finish here.

Returning the "night" to the night piece.......2006-09-10

Arrau's playing of the Chopin nocturnes emphasizes the extent to which these wonderfully well-crafted works belong to the realm of the night in all its Romantic mystery and, especially, longing (what an odd-seeming word for the 21st century!). Despite what some have claimed, his exquisite rubato is always musically justified and recalls Chopin's pupil Mikuli's comment that "Chopin's rubato possessed an unshakeable emotional logic. It always justified itself by a strengthening or weakening melodic line, by exaggeration or affectation." Always observing a fine cantilena, Arrau repeatedly works wonders in these marvellous pieces, making each into its own unique little self-contained variegated musical universe. In doing so, he fully realizes Liszt's apt depiction of Chopin as "a divine aristocrat, a feminine archangel with prismatic wings!"

Don't know what to make out of it.......2006-06-07

I've always had mixed feelings about Arrau's playing. While at times it can be indescribably beautiful and revealing, which is often the case with his sublime, if controversial, interpretations of Liszt, Arrau nonetheless seems to lack the necessary technique (I don't think that's the case) or the proper understanding to play certain works. Even though his uncanny ability to grasp the spirit of each composer whose music he plays is widely stressed, I think he's not that respectful of Chopin's music on this record - he does turn it into something else. To be sure, Chopin's works are obviously open to various interpretations and it would be risky to finger such or such pianist as having reached the 'true', 'real' Chopin - no one knows exactly what Chopin sounded like and the best we can do here is guessing - but this openness can't be understood as meaning that anything goes, that one interpretation is as good as the other, that there are no bounds or limits to interpretation. Here I think Arrau overasserts himself at the expense of what we know about Chopin's musical identity, as it were, though we can surely be proven wrong in the future. Who knows?

Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD]

Average customer rating:

Gabriela Montero CDs
Non-professional Review
Absolutely Magnificent!
Improvisations Unbelievable!
A beautiful breath of fresh air!

Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD]

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach & Beyond - Gabriela Montero
Gabriela Montero en Concert à Montréal
Bach & Beyond [United Kingdom]
The Carnegie Hall Concert
Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording

ASIN: B0009VK0LO
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Moment Musical In E Mino Op. 12 No. 4
Prelude In G Op.32 No.5
Etude-Tableau In D Op.39 No.9
Prelude in D Flat Op.17 No.3
Prelude In E Flat Minor Op.16 No.4
Prelude In G Op.13 No.3
Etude in C Sharp Minor Op.42 No.5
La Vida Breve: First Spanish Dance - Manuel De Falla
Goyescas: Quejas O La Maya Y El Ruisenor
Danza Del Viejo Boyero
Danza De La Moza Donosa
Danza Del Gaucho Matrero
Nocturne In D Flat Op.27 No.2
Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor Op.66
Mephisto Waltz No.1

Tracks:

On Rachmaniov: Vocalise
On The Theme From Bach 'Goldberg Variations'
On Chopin: Nocturne In D Flat
On Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2
Inspired By Scriabin
On Duermete Mi Nino
In The Style Of Tango
On Granados: 'Quejas O La Maya El Ruisenor'
In The Style Of Bach
On Chopin: Prelude In A
'Improvisation in Blue (Gabriela Montero)'
'Song for Natalia and Isabella (Gabriela Montero)'

Customer Reviews:

Gabriela Montero CDs.......2007-06-12

Excellent service -- speedy, just as described, well-packaged. I'd definitely buy from this seller again.

Non-professional Review.......2007-03-27

Okay, I listen almost exclusively to classical music, but I do so simply for the pleasure and nothing more. I cannot tell you about Gabriela Montero's technique, and, when she improvises, I have no ability to judge the music's intrinsic value, authenticity, or whatever. I can only tell you this: while I own many dozens of albums, running the full spectrum of the classical genre, I value none of them above Montero's Bach and Beyond and her Piano Recital. Pure listening joy!

Absolutely Magnificent!.......2007-03-09

I first saw Gabriela Montero on 60 Minutes a few months ago and was taken by her playing ability as well as her ability to improvise on the classics. Ms. Montero's fingers fly over the keyboard, playing Rachmaninoff more dramatically and key-perfect than I've heard in a long time. I decided to purchase this CD and have not been disappointed.

Improvisations Unbelievable!.......2007-01-26

Gabriela Montero is a tremendous talent, both in standard classical repertoire, and improvisation. I have know her since she was a young girl, and she was by far the best pianist around, even then. She is an undersung pianist of our age, and should rise to the top very soon!

A beautiful breath of fresh air!.......2007-01-20

What a sheer delight hearing her play. I've never heard anyone quite like her. A phenomenally gifted player, and it's a rare treat to hear someone who defies pigeonholing. I had heard her on the radio, and knew I was onto something when her improvisation on a very simple theme gave me the chills. I love both CD's in this collection.

It's interesting hearing the negative response coming from some classical musicians and fans. At times it can seem to roughly follow the stages of grief as proposed by Kubler-Ross. I'm a professional guitarist, and it's funny because it's almost identical to how guitarists react to hearing another guitarist, but with an big class-conscious overlay (all very civilized, of course). Think of the "guitarist screwing in a lightbulb" joke. To paraphrase and extrapolate on what someone might say upon hearing her improvisation:

1. Shock: Wow, he's good. Oh, and it's a woman!? And you say it's improvisation??

2. Denial: That can't possibly be improvisation. Classical musicians don't engage in that untidy process. What she's playing must be written out, and I can tell! Don't ask, I just know it.

3. Anger: This stuff is no good. Only permanent music is of value through the ages, and that's why classical music (and only the European kind) is better than any other music. Besides, I can't improvise, so I reject it - and only THOSE people engage in improvisation.

4. Depression: She can play all the classical music, and seemingly can improvise, or at least pass her stuff off as such. Not only that, she's getting attention and money, and we're not. Why is the world unfair?

5. Acceptance: (sort of) Well, I guess she's selling CD's, and is becoming successful. She is, I hate to admit it, a great player. Even if she is a faker. Of course, they're begging my Muffy to become artist-in-residence in Spoleto....

The other reviewer has a point when he says that she may be viewed as a curiosity. Because she's crossing genres, people may not know what to make of it, and this often causes reflexive hostility. As an improvisor, I would agree that it's hard to say that something is 100% improvised - players tend to have pet phrases and favorite general ideas they return to. But to me, Gabriela's playing is at the highest level of skill, beauty, and feeling, whether improvising or playing written pieces.

Average customer rating:

Near the Best 2
Deep Feeling Piano Before Sleep
Not Great
Chopin' s refined lyricism in its highest peak!
Among the great performances of these little masterworks

Chopin: Nocturnes

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ivan Moravec Plays Debussy & Chopin
Chopin: Sonata in B-flat minor, Berceuse, etc.
Ivan Moravec Plays Beethoven
Chopin: 24 Preludes Ballade in F Minor
Ivan Moravec Plays Chopin

ASIN: B000005J03
Release Date: 1991-06-25

Tracks:

B Flat Minor, Op. 9, No. 1
E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2
B Major, Op. 9, No. 3
F Major, Op. 15, No. 2
F Sharp Major, Op. 15, No. 2
G Minor, Op. 15, No. 3
C Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 1
D Flat Major, Op. 27, No. 2
B Major, Op. 32, No.1
A Flat Major, Op. 32, No. 2

Tracks:

A Flat Major, Op. 32, No. 2
G Major, Op. 37, No. 2
C Minor, Op. 48, No. 1
F Sharp Minor, Op. 48, No. 2
F Sharp Minor, Op. 48, No. 2
E Flat Major, Op. 55, No. 2
B Major, Op. 62, No. 1
E Major, Op. 62, No. 2
E Minor, Op. 72, No. 1

Amazon.com essential recording

If Moravec had made only these recordings, he would still be esteemed as one of our greatest pianists. He makes the piano sing throughout this set--coloring the music with exquisite tonal shadings, reflecting the changes of mood with total conviction, and providing moment after moment of revelatory beauty. Many critics consider this the greatest set of the Chopin Nocturnes ever recorded, even finer than the superb stereo set by Rubinstein on RCA. The 1966 recordings, made in two different venues, are still outstanding examples of beautiful-sounding, realistic piano sound. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Near the Best 2.......2007-03-23

Vasary, Moravec and Rubinstein are all different, but which of their Nocturne disks you pick up will probably depend on your own mood. I think they are equally great in their own individual way. If you want contemplative renderings tending towards lullabies, you'll pick up the Rubinstein or the Moravec. Moravec is slightly more funereal than Rubinstein, and Rubinstein seems to have more 'soul'. Vasary is for when you're awake and want a slightly more upbeat approach with more consistency in rhythm and interpretation, without noticeable mannerisms. His rubati are there, but seamless. I won't decide between Rubinstein and Vasary; they are great, though different. Moravec would come in very close, maybe beat by just a nose. Vasary is easily the best technician and plays absolutely beautiful, superbly fitted cadenzi and onaments. The only fault I find in his 1966 disk is the weaker recording quality. His voicing is unexcelled. For some, his tempi may be just a slight bit faster than others, but this doesn't seem to harm. I prefer Rubinstein in a few selected Nocturnes, especially Op. 37 no. 2. Moravec's approach, overall, seems a little less consistent from Nocturne to Nocturne, with tempi at times a little too fast, a little too slow for this auditor. Also, as far as voicing, the lower register of his keyboard is at times indistinct. It sounds somewhat muddy and it's hard to pick out the broken chords clearly; you don't get the underlying undulation. I'd give the Rubinstein and Vasary disks the decided advantage there. In both Vasary and Rubinstein, left-hand accompaniment is clearly discernible.

I still give this 4.8 stars. Moravec is one of the best. The fault with the lower register lies not with the performer perhaps, but the piano or the recording technician; I can't tell. The right half of the keyboard sounds absolutely crystal clear. I think it may be poor recording balance or acoustics.

Daniel Barenboim also has a complete set of the Nocturnes available and
selected Nocturnes are among the best, though he tends toward somnambulance in tempi. His playing is clean, correct and unhurried. I especially mark out his playing of Op. 15, no. 3, which surprisingly, is difficult to get 'right'. I've heard some sloppy playing in that particular nocturne in the left hand, even from Rubinstein. Moravec and Barenboim play this one in near mirror image; both beautiful.

I bought this and I'm very happy with it. I recommend it highly.

Deep Feeling Piano Before Sleep.......2007-01-11

I never heard of Ivan Moravec before I bought this record but am glad now. It took me a few times to get use to his playing and now I understand it better.

Not Great.......2007-01-04

I love listening to Chopin and especially to his Nocturnes; however, I prefer the more mechanical style of Artur Rubinstein and always choose to listen to it over this. To my ear, Moravec's playing sounds messy - as though someone had taken the meter and adjusted each beat by a tiny, random amount. Since others seem in love with his recordings, I guess the conclusion is to listen before you buy (or buyer beware)

Chopin' s refined lyricism in its highest peak! .......2006-11-02

Among the compositions of Chopin which have been beloved in sum grade, the Nocturnes reveal and reflect with all its broad extension, the level of intropectivenes,lyricism and sentiment, the musicality and romantic expression of this unforgettable composer.

In contrast with the Etudes Op. 10 and Op. 25 - that might be well considered as an organic unity and even may be thought as a Sonata in three movements each Op. by itself - the Nocturnes are independent works each one with its own specific weight and particular profile.

Ivan Moravec made a sumptuous reading of these works; with his well known expressive resoureces, luminous pianism and sheer poetry. Although he has not been known enough in America, this pupil of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli at least to my mind may be considered as the greatest Czech pianist ever born.

So, given all these considerations, you may acquire this double album without any shadow of dobt or hesitation.

Among the great performances of these little masterworks.......2006-02-24

This is one of my favorite recordings in any genre of music. The sensitivity to melody and tone Moravec exhibits coupled with the inventiveness of these vignettes by Chopin combine to produce a truly sublime musical experience. Moravec's playing is so effortless and natural (stupid words, I know) that it is hard to imagine these pieces played any other way. I get the sense when I listen that there is no performer, only this exquisite music.

Arthur Rubinstein plays Chopin [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

THE GREATEST OF CHOPIN PIANISTS
The greatest interpretation
Not such a great album
Love it.
RECORDING QUALITY IS A FACTOR

Arthur Rubinstein plays Chopin [Box Set]

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | 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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Arthur Rubinstein: Ludwig Van Beethoven Piano Sonatas
Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49)
Great Recordings Of The Century - Dinu Lipatti
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos

ASIN: B000002S59
Release Date: 1994-03-15

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Allegro maestoso risoluto
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Romanze (Larghetto) -
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Rondo vivace
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Allegro vivace
Waltz In C Sharp Minor, Op. 64, No. 2
Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9 No. 1
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2
Nocturne No. 3 In B Major, Op. 9 No. 3

Tracks:

Nocturne No. 4 In F Major, Op. 15 No. 1
Nocturne No. 5 In F Sharp Major, Op. 15 No. 2
Nocturne No. 6 In G Minor, Op. 15 No. 3
Nocturne No. 7 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 1
Nocturne No. 8 In D Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 2
Nocturne No. 9 In B Major, Op. 32 No. 1
Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat Major, Op. 32 No. 2
Nocturne No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 37 No. 1
Nocturne No. 12 In G Major, Op. 37 No. 2
Nocturne No. 13 In C Minor, Op. 48 No. 1
Nocturne No. 14 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 48 No. 2
Nocturne No. 15 In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1
Nocturne No. 16 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 No. 2
Nocturne No. 17 In B Major, Op. 62 No. 1
Nocturne No. 18 In E Major, Op. 62 No. 2
Nocturne No. 19 In E Minor, Op. 71 No. 1 (posth.)

Tracks:

Waltz In A-Flat Major, Op. 34, No. 1
Mazurka In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 6, No.1
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 6, No.2
Mazurka In E-Major, Op. 6, No.3
Mazurka In E-Flat Major, Op.6, No.4
Mazurka In B-Flat Major, Op. 7, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 7, No.2
Mazurka In F-Minor, Op. 7, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 7, No.4
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 7, No. 5
Mazurka In B-Flat Major, Op. 17, No.1
Mazurka In E-Minor, Op. 17, No. 2
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 17, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Minor, Op. 24, No. 1
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 24, No. 2
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 24, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Flat Minor, Op. 24, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 30, No. 1
Mazurka In B-Minor, Op. 30, No. 2
Mazurka In D-Flat Major, Op. 30, No. 3
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 30, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Sharp Minor, Op. 33, No. 1
Mazurka In D-Major, Op. 33, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 33, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Minor, Op. 33, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 41, No. 1
Mazurka In E-Minor, Op. 41, No. 2
Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 41, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 42, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Major, Op. 50, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 50, No. 3

Tracks:

Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 56, No. 1
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 56, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 59, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 56, No. 2
Mazurka In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 63, No. 1
Mazurka In F-Minor, Op. 63, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Sharp minor, Op. 63, No. 3
Mazurka In G-Major, Op. 67, No. 1
Mazurka In G-Minor, Op. 67, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 67, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 67, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 68, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 68, No. 2
Mazurka In F-Major, Op. 68, No. 3
Mazurka In F-Monor, Op. 68, No. 4
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. Posth. (A son ami Emile Gaillard)
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. posth. (Notre temps)
Scherzi In B-Minor, Op. 20
Scherzi In B-Flat Minor, Op. 31
Scherzi In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39
Scherzi In E-Major, Op. 54

Tracks:

Barcaolle In F-Sharp Major, Op. 60
Berseuse In D-Flar Major
Polonaise In C-Sharp Major, Op. 26, No. 1
Polonaise In E-Flat Major, Op. 26, No.2
Polonaise In A-Major, Op. 40, No. 1
Polonaise In C-Minor, Op. 40, No. 2
Polonaise In F-Sharp Major, Op. 44
Polonaise In A-Flat Major, Op. 53 (Heroic)
Polonaise In A-Flat Major, Op. 61 (Polonaise-Fantaisie)
Andante splanato & polonaise brillante In E-Flat Major, Op. 22

Customer Reviews:

THE GREATEST OF CHOPIN PIANISTS.......2007-03-01

These are the earlier discs of Rubinstein's Chopin, recorded by HMV in London during the 1930's. It is less complete than his later recordings for RCA - no Sonatas, no Ballades, no Etudes. The sound is naturally of its time - but in many ways more natural than the sharply-lit, slightly edgy piano sound RCA favoured in the 50's and 60's. Nevertheless, these are the Chopin performances I return to most.

Rubinstein's natural affinity with Chopin is legendary. He seemed always able to capture precisely the right degree of rubato at exactly the right moment in these pieces. And he had a unique ability in his countryman's music to balance the lyrical with the impassioned, what seems completely spontaneous with what is clearly deeply considered. The Nocturnes here are, I think, the best you'll hear anywhere on disc. In the greatest of them - the Opp.37 & 48 sets, for example - Rubinstein gets the contrast between the dreamy nocturnal outer sections with the darker, more impassioned central sections just right. These are not salon miniatures in his hands but big works, if not in length then in content. And no-one can match Rubinstein in the elusive diversity of this complete set of Mazurkas. The two Concerti both have Barbirolli as the sympathetic conductor, following Rubinstein's lead in the ebb and flow of phrases and whole sections of these gorgeous and often maligned works. Interestingly the recording of Concerto No.2 (actually the first composed) dates from before the pianist's famous withdrawal from public performance to reconstruct his technique and his approach, that of Concerto No.1 from after. Perhaps one can detect a touch more maturity and refinement in his approach to the latter, but they are both ravishing performances.

Many of the performances on these 5 discs are the greatest Chopin you're likely to hear. And the ear soon adjusts to the somewhat old-fashioned recorded piano sound. This is a highly desirable set for any lover of Chopin and/or great piano playing.

The greatest interpretation.......2007-02-17

The interpretation is stunning. Mono - but no matter for solo piano - and a wee bit hissy but still quite superb.

Not such a great album.......2007-01-12

This album was recorded from records as you can hear the scratches and skips. Don't recommend it!

Love it........2006-06-22

This is my favorite album. I think that not even Rubinstein's later recordings attain this quality of musical involvment.

There is a fair amount of background noise, but the music helps to forget it rather quickly overall.

RECORDING QUALITY IS A FACTOR.......2005-02-10

Otherwise, I would have given 5 stars. The fact that these have a hiss (and you can practically hear him close the piano on several numbers) should be mentioned. I guess we are spoiled to audio quality, but this is an expensive collection and this fact was glaringly omitted. That said, I have enjoyed the recordings, in spite of the very audible hiss.

Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49)

Average customer rating:

Food for your Spirit
An Antti Keisala Comment: Chopin Divine, Saddest Music In The World
Arthur Rubenstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49)
Hmmm...
"A whole set of marvelous miniatures"

Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Rubinstein Collection Vol 47 - Chopin: Waltzes, Impromptus, Bolero
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 45
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 48
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 50
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 46

ASIN: B000031WBV
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

Op. 9, No. 1, In B-Flat Minor
Op. 9, No. 2 In E-Flat
Op. 9, No. 3 In B
Op. 15, No. 1 In F
Op. 15, No.2 In F-Sharp
Op. 15, No. 3 In G Minor
Op. 27, No. 1 In C-Sharp Minor
Op. 27, No. 2 In D-Flat
Op. 32, No. 1 In B
Op. 32, No. 2 In A-Flat

Tracks:

Op. 37, No. 1 In G Minor
Op. 37, No. 2 In G
Op. 48, No. 1 In C Minor
Op. 48, No. 2 In F-Sharp Minor
Op. 55, No. 1 In F Minor
Op. 55, No. 2 In E-Flat
Op. 62, No. 1 In B
Op. 62, No. 2 In E
Op. 72, No. 1 In E Minor

Amazon.com

Despite Arthur Rubinstein's extroverted personality and open-hearted interpretive approach, his performances of Chopin's introspective, half-lit Nocturnes inspired him to some of his greatest recordings, as this, the last of his three traversals of the 19, amply demonstrates. His earlier recordings, from 1936-37 and 1949-50, have their admirers, but this set dating from 1965 and 1967 is superior for its interpretive depth and realistic stereo sound. It's a touch slower than the earlier versions, and Rubinstein's glorious tone color, mastery of shadings, and unerring sense of rubato help make these among his greatest recordings. He makes the music breathe as few others have; the melodies go straight to the heart thanks to subtle phrasing that wrings worlds of emotion without wallowing. That sense of naturalness and inevitability in his playing can be heard in every one of these 19 works. It makes the start of Op. 27, No. 1 deeply moving and inspires awe at the way he brings structural clarity to Op. 48, No. 1 without compromising its mood. Others may have equaled his achievement in one or another of these works, but as a set, this is inspired pianism. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Food for your Spirit.......2007-02-28

I love, love, love this moving collection! It is divinely inspired, celestial, heavenly, stirring, emotionally filling and guaranteed to transport you to a higher dimension...

An Antti Keisala Comment: Chopin Divine, Saddest Music In The World.......2007-02-09

Sometimes we feel we're unspeakably down: nights when you're exhausted by your daily routines and the dreamer in you wakes up in vain. Some people read romantic short stories. Some go to have long walks on the beach. When I'm blue, I either go running or watch Wong's "Chunking Express", some Tarkovsky or listen to the saddest music. To music most divine. That's this Rubinstein's interpretations of Chopin are high on that list, as they are on every other best-of list I've yet compiled.

Simply put, this is a masterly artist interpreting the most masterly artist of our time.

Chopin is, to me, the epitome of an artist who invests his whole soul to his music. A poet whose own poems start to shape his heart. Others can comment (and have already done so) on the technical aspects of either Chopin or Rubinstein's skill, but I merely wish to articulate how shocking his music is in how it bares the soul, how naked it is. In modern rock music, I've found Peter Gabriel to work this way, at least the Peter Gabriel of the untitled era, up to the album "Us". This is the greatest of commitment, almost a secret made between the composer and listener. The music approaches the listener in such a direct way not from the outside but from within. And this has nothing to do with who's playing the piano. There are simply passages that are larger than either the player or our comprehension. The silences, the rubatos, the relation of the notes to the mood of the thing, to the heart of the matter. Rubinstein just happens the most open-hearted, as one of the editorial reviews points out.

About Chopin. He's not like Bach in my books, whom I've found to appear emotionally majestic yet who's more like the Peter Greenaway of classical music; more showy and mathematical, calculating. Adhering to a certain cosmology rather than inventing and investing straight from and to the soul. Whereas Bach relies on framework in which he fills his music (this is, of course, the Zeitgeist of his time and style of music and in itself nothing remarkably revealing) with the finest of contrapuncts, Chopin's method is to create a free flow of melody, harmony, tempo and dynamics. It's organic and it's fluid. I don't think I should even mention Mozart's badinage. Rubinstein uses the rubato of Chopin to a great extent, which makes for some of the most breathtaking passages ever played on a piano. I play piano so badly I'll never have the possibility to play Chopin properly, but I've done the 'next best thing', that is, I've played him as transcribed for the guitar by Franscisco Tárrega. Those transcriptions, in my mind, contain that bittersweet chance of rubato, and that nakedness translates to the guitar quite well. But that's not the real thing.

This is. Of course, the best thing is to get all of Rubinstein's recordings, but if I was to make the hardest decision and choose only one, this would be it. Very close would be the Preludes as well as the Mazurkas, but this is perhaps the most heavenly music. Only Pärt's "Alina" continually reaches me on such a personal level. These songs made me believe that music can change your life.

Now I'm going to try and sell this item to you. Thus I'll have to ask that particular question: what is it about Rubinstein? We know him as the mastermind, the giant interpreter, who revolutionized how we listen to Chopin. But this isn't just merits, or otherwise he wouldn't be celebrated today for anything else than just showing a different path at the time. And this is a sad destiny some other artists share. Where Rubinstein triumphs is that his playing is much like what Chopin's music is like: it's a rare gift for us to find two artists with the same soul. This is why I think Rubinstein continues to be important and these records even life-altering. That's not in his technical skill, per se, it's in his ability to channel something from within, lift up something from the notes that can only be read between the lines. He's intimate, much like the music, and that's why I let him come close and do his best. Most beautiful music, most uplifting music; the saddest music in the world.

With best regards,
AK

Arthur Rubenstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49).......2007-01-21

Arthur Rubenstein interprets Chopin beautifully with great emotion. It would have been interesting, were it possible, to have him play these great works in the presence of Chopin to get his reaction. The "Red Seal" RCA label lives up to it reputation for having made some of the very best quality recordings ever made. The crisp, clear and true to the original sound makes you feel as though you were in the studio while the recording was being made.

Hmmm..........2006-12-04

Well, here's the good: Rubinstein is far more adept than you or I will ever be at interpreting these pieces. His playing is rich, yet rather restrained. A bit too restrained at times. Now then, the bad:

1. sound quality is in dire need of remastery. I can't emphasize that enough. While not as thick with background noise as the Cortot Box set recorded in the 30s and onward... It's still pretty thick, which bothers the hell out of me, making listening straight throughh almost impossible at times.

2: only 8 (!!!) of the minor key Nocturnes are accounted for. I'm sorry, but the minor key pieces are VASTLY more interesting and varied and sensual and full of sturm und drang than the major key pieces. Three are missing, though I'm too lazy to go picking through and find out which 3 they are. Still, that's about 1/4th of the minor key NOcturnes: unaccounted for.

That plus the issue of sound quality: I'll stick with my Claudio Arrau set, hushed breath and all, which I have had to purchase twice and which never fails to take me where I need to go.

I love the Rubins, but still: Buyer Beware.

"A whole set of marvelous miniatures".......2006-05-22

Although most of people tend to consider, Chopin' s Nocturnes as tearful salon pieces, they perhaps retains, with major effervescence than any other genre composed by him, the essential principles that support the Romantic mood. The night conceived as a frame for the febrile imagination, that may originate the most beautiful dreams or on the contrary the most horrid nightmares.

"Chopin loved the night and its soft mysteries as much as did Robert Louis Stevenson, and his nocturnes are true night pieces, some with agitated, remorseful countenance, others seen are whispering at dusk." ..."He ennobled the form originated by Field, giving it dramatic breadth, passion and even grandeur." These smart considerations belong to James Huneker (1860--1921) the famed author and music and drama critic.

Under this perspective any analysis around Chopin should be done according the specified genre you consider, due it would explain preconceived attitudes and superficial generalizations that frequently lead to trivial thoughts and originate distorted and deformed opinions around the egregious figure of the beloved Polish composer.

There have been three famed and renowned pianists that have shone with radiant splendor at the moment to play this set of Nocturnes. Of course that Rubinstein was one of them, (the others two are Samson Francois and Alfred Cortot), and the reason why they are above the most, resides in the fact they played every one of these works, with a special connotation and intimate atmosphere. As Huneker previously emphasized, every Nocturne has its particular blaze, texture, color, personality and expression.

So if you want to experiment a true experience listening this set of Nocturnes, don' t think it over and acquire it.

Average customer rating:

My experience of this CD
Beautiful!
Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful!
Best investment to make
A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !

Chopin: The Piano Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | 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:

Liszt: Piano Works
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Works for Solo Piano
Mozart: The Piano Concertos

ASIN: B0000041KB
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

24 Preludes, Op.28: I - C Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: II - A Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: III - G Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: IV - E Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: V - D Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: VI - B Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: VII - A Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: VIII - F Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: IX - E Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: X - C Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XI - B Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XII - G Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIII - F Sharp Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIV - E Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XV - D Flat Major 'Raindrop'
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVI - B Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVII - A Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVIII - F Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIX - E Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XX - C Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXI - B Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXII - G Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIII - F Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIV - D Minor
Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.45
Prelude In A Flat Major
Impromptu In A Flat Major, Op.29
Impromptu In F Sharp Major, Op.36
Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.51
Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor, Op.66

Tracks:

Ballade No.1 In G Minor, Op.23
Ballade No.2 In F Major, Op.38
Ballade No.3 In A Flat Major, Op.47
Ballade No.4 In F Minor, Op.52
Scherzo No.1 In B Minor, Op.20
Scherzo No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.31
Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
Scherzo No.4 In E Minor, Op.54

Tracks:

3 Nocturnes, Op.9: I - B Flat Minor
3 Nocturnes, Op.9: II - E Flat Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.9: III - B Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: I - F Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: II - F Sharp Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: III - G Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.27: I - C Sharp Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.27: II - D Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.32: I - B Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.32: II - A Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.37: I - G Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.37: II - G Major

Tracks:

2 Nocturnes, Op.48: I - C Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.48: II - F Sharp Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.55: I - F Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.55: II - E Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.62: I - B Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.62: II - E Major
Nocturne In E Minor, Op.72 No.1
Nocutrne In C Sharp Minor
Nocturne In C Minor

Tracks:

12 Etudes, Op.10: I - C Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: II - A Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: III - E Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: IV - C Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: V - G Flat Major 'Black Key'
12 Etudes, Op.10: VI - E Flat Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: VII - C Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: VIII - F Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: IX - F Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: X - A Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: XI - E Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: XII - C Minor 'Revolutionary'
12 Etudes, Op.25: I - A Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: II - F Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: III - F Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: IV - A Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: V - E Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VI - G Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VII - C Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VIII - D Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: IX - G Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: X - B Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: XI - A Minor 'Winter Wind'
12 Etudes, Op.25: XII - C Minor

Tracks:

2 Polonaises, Op.26: I - C Sharp Minor
2 Polonaises, Op.26: II - E Flat Minor
2 Polonaises, Op.40: I - A Major
2 Polonaises, Op.40: II - C Minor
Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op.44
Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op.53
Polonaise-fantaisie In A Flat Major, Op.61

Tracks:

3 Polonaises, Op.71: I - D Minor
3 Polonaises, Op.71: II - B Flat Major
3 Polonaises, Op.71: III - F Minor
Polonaise In B Flat Minor
Polonaise In G Flat Major
Polonaise In G Minor
Polonaise In B Flat Major
Polonaise In A Flat Major
Polonaise In G Sharp Minor

Tracks:

Waltz In E Flat Major, Op.18
3 Waltzes, Op.34: I - A Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.34: II - A Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.34: III - F Major
Waltz In A Flat Major, Op.42
3 Waltzes, Op.64: I - D Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.64: II - C Sharp Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.64: III - A Flat Major
2 Waltzes, Op.69: I - A Flat Major
2 Waltzes, Op.69: II - B Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.70: I - G Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.70: II - F Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.70: III - D Flat Major
Waltz In E Minor (1830)
Waltz In E Major (1829)
Waltz In A Minor (?1843)
Waltz In A Flat Major (1827)
Waltz In E Flat Major ('Sostenuto', 1840)
Waltz In E Flat Major (1829 - 1830)

Tracks:

4 Mazurkas, Op.6: I - F Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: II - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: III - E Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: IV - E Flat Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: I - B Flat Major
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: II - A Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: III - F Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: IV - A Flat Major
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: V - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: I - B Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: II - E Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: III - A Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: IV - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: I - G Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: II - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: III - A Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: IV - B Flat Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: I - C Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: II - B Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: III - D Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: IV - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: I - G Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: II - D Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: III - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: IV - B Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: I - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: II - E Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: III - B Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: IV - A Flat Major

Tracks:

3 Mazurkas, Op.50: I - G Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.50: II - A Flat Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.50: III - C Sharp Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: I - B Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: II - C Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: III - C Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: I - A Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: II - A Flat Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: III - F Sharp Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: I - B Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: II - F Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: III - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: I - G Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: II - G Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: III - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: IV - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: I - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: II - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: III - F Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: IV - F Minor
Mazurka In A Minor ('a Emile Gaillard', 1840)
Mazurka In A Minor ('Notre temps', 1840)
Mazurka In B Flat Major (1826)
Mazurka In G Major (1826)
Mazurka In A Flat Major (1834)
Mazurka In C Major (1833)
Mazurka In B Flat Major (For Alexandra Wolowska, 1832)
Mazurka In D Major (1832)
Mazurka In D Major (?1820)
Mazurka In F Minor, Op.68 No. 4 - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: I - Grave - Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: II - Scherzo
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: III - Marche funebre
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: IV - Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: I - Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: II - Scherzo: Molto vivace
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: III - Largo
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: IV - Finale: Presto, non tanto
Fantaisie In F Minor, Op. 49

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: I - Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: II - Minuetto - Trio
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: III - Larghetto
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: IV - Finale: Presto
Variations sur un air national allemand - E Major (1826)
Rondo In C Minor, Op.1
3 Ecossaises, Op.72 No.3: I - D Major; II - G Major; III - D Flat Major
Rondo 'a la Mazur' In F Major, Op.5
Marche funebre In C Minor, Op.72 No.2
Contredanse In G Flat Major (?1827) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Rondo In C Major, Op.73 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Variations In D Major For Piano Duet (1826) - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

Variations In A Major ('Souvenir de Paganini', 1829)
Variations brillantes In B Flat Major, Op.12
Rondo In E Flat Major, Op.16
Bolero In A Minor, Op.19
Cantabile In B Flat Major
Variation In E Major
Largo In E Flat Major
Allegro de concert In A Major, Op.46
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): I - F Minor
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): II - A Flat Major
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): III - D Flat Major
Tarentelle In A Flat Major, Op.43
Fugue In A Minor (1841 - 42)
Albumblatt in E Major (1843)
Op.74 No.2: Wiosna - Spring
2 Bourrees (1846): I - G Minor; II - A Major
Galop Marquis
Berceuse In D Flat Major, Op.57
Barcarolle In F Sharp Major, Op.60

Customer Reviews:

My experience of this CD.......2007-04-04

My hats off to this CD collection! It was worth it!!! Chopin is a true genius for the piano, on this collection.

Beautiful!.......2006-08-18

This is a beautifully played collection of Chopin's work. It was a birthday gift,
and I listen to bits of it every day. I have yet to find a favorite
CD, as each is so lovely. It is well worth the price.

Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful!.......2006-06-10

I am not a classical music expert but I am an expert when it comes to a great product. I have listened to the works of rubenstein and Horowitz, but nothing is comparable to this great collection of polands favorite son. The nocturnes are dreamy and romantic. The other pieces though not as mesmerizing have plenty of depth and feeling. This is a collection that you will listen to over and over again. Although this music is great anytime, it's especially meaningful during a light rainfall. Go ahead and make this investment. It's only $100.00. For the next 100 days save a dollar and you will have it paid for. I promise you won't be sorry. Excellent! Excellent!

Best investment to make.......2006-05-21

In my opinion, this is the apex of classical music. You will not find a better CD for Chopin or any piano recordings. There may be plenty of comparable CDs, but nothing can claim to surpass this.

Although some pieces are not as good as those by other artists, Ashkenazy's interpretations of Chopin are the best I've ever heard. Add in his amazing technical performance and you've got some sublime music.

Listening to these pieces have immensely helped my own Chopin reportoire. I don't play to mimic Ashkenazy, but I use his insights and apply my own style over that and end up with something exponentially better than what I could produce on my own.

The price is something you have to seriously consider. A hundred bucks. Yeah, that's a lot of money, but that's 48 cents per song. And you'll listen to these songs dozens of times, at least, I guarantee. Plus it's a great deal... if you were to get all the Ashkenazy-Chopin CDs available on Amazon, overlapping pieces as little as possible, you'd pay $30 more and still not have everything.

This is an investment for life and will definitely remain one of my favorite CD sets for decades. Decades. A hundred bucks for decades of amazing music. This stuff is larger than today, larger than life.. music this good is something you can't afford to pass up because of temporary financial difficulties.

A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !.......2005-09-15

Lets imagine that Chopin himself has recorded his own compositions in a perfectly clear CD. I am sure that some classical music reviewers would say "This is not the way Chopin is meant to be played". These classical music "pundits" are very intolerant.

Interpretation and emotion feeling is also a matter of taste, so that the only one who can give a final answer is Franois (Frederic).

Ashkenazy is gifted with a phenomenal technique, a great pianist. So that this collection is for sure 5 stars. Enjoy it.

Ah, if you like to see piano technique in action, listen to Georgy Cziffra's interpretation of Etude op. 10 no. 4. (Search the album in my reviews.)

Average customer rating:

Sublime
Stunning but ...
A Visionary fperformance
He's back!
HOLY COW!

Chopin: Nocturnes

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

"Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110 & 111"
Beethoven, Mozart & Brahms Piano Concertos
Chopin: Etudes/Preludes/Polonaises
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1
Intimate Voices

ASIN: B000B8ISNM
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

No.1 In B Flat Minor: Larghetto
No.2 In E Flat Major: Andante
No.3 In B Major: Allegretto
No.1 In F Major: Andante Cantabile
No.2 In F Sharp Major: Larghetto
No.3 In G Minor: Lento
No.1 In C Sharp Minor: Larghetto
No.2 In D Flat Major: Lento Sostenuto
No.1 In B Major: Andante Sostenuto
No.2 In A Flat Major: Lento

Tracks:

No.1 In G Minor: Andante Sostenuto
No.2 In G Major: Andantino
No.1 In C Minor: Lento
No.2 In F Sharp Minor: Andantino
No.1 In F Minor: Andante
No.2 In E Flat Major: Lento Sostenuto
No.1 In B Major: Andante
No.2 In E Major: Lento
No.1 In E Minor: Andante

Amazon.com

Pollini's traversal of Chopin's 19 Nocturnes (he leaves out the pair of posthumous ones) is one of his finest recordings in years. His long-lined yet detailed performances are comparable to the very different ones that have long stood at the pinnacle of recorded sets. Not as serene as Artur Rubinstein's, not as philosophical as Claudio Arrau's, nor as warm as Ivan Moravec's, Pollini's interpretations have their own allure. One is the way he shapes the melodies with a natural flow enhanced by his tonal beauty, less lean and streamlined than his usual way with Romantic music. Another is his careful attention to dynamics, as in the subtle gradations of tone found in Op.9 No.1, Op. 15 No 2, and others in the set. Yet another is his detailed articulation that yields trills of feathery lightness and brings out inner details without unduly spotlighting them. His pianissimo playing is radiant, pearly runs are seamlessly strung together, and climaxes like that in Op. 37 No.1 ring out boldly. And this paragon of the objective modern style indulges in discreet rubatos that bring life to the musical line and make you feel the music behind the notes. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Sublime.......2007-05-13

I had previously owned Chopin's nocturnes, but Pollini blows everyone else away with his elegant and touching performance. I totally recommend this for anyone interested in classical music.

Stunning but ..........2007-03-24

Mr Pollini certainly has a way with Chopin. His earlier recordings of the etudes and polonaises could hardly be bettered. In the nocturnes, we find crystal clear fingerwork and clarity, a sense of romance and of drama. Perhaps, though, these performances are a little unsmiling. Listeners who, like me, have found great majesty and wonderment in Claudio Arrau's readings of the nocturnes may find Mr Pollini's performances technically stunning but a little cold and measured. Perhaps they are, but repeated playing proves that there is no one way to play the nocturnes. I have come to treasure both performances.

A Visionary fperformance.......2006-06-26

When I first purchased this recording, the rather austere interpretations disappointed me. I had been listening to the Pires earlier, and her much more traditional, romantic approach had made a deep impression(still a great accomplishment, better than almost all who precede her recording). However, after a few listenings, Pollini's incredible intellectual command and spiritual interpretation became evident. If someone has listened more romantic playing of these pieces such as Arrau's, then Pollini's may seem at first without any beauty or understanding of Chopin's intent because the doesn't linger of phrases, manipulate the tempo by rushing or slowing down in a dreamlike trance. Instead, Pollini finds the true essence in his perfect pianism and his visionary effort here. The sound of the recording is exemplary- I do wish they could have placed the microphones so as not to hear Pollini's occaisional and momentary gutteral utterances and breathing , but a small price to pay to hear Chopin's Nocturnes played with such insight, technique, and understanding. I rank this cd with his playing of the etudes, ballades, and preludes...all of the highest order.

He's back!.......2006-06-24

These recordings represent something of a return to form for Pollini, whose recordings in recent years have often sounded as if the score had been programmed into that hi-tech Yamaha player piano. Here one senses a sophisticated musical intelligence constantly making judgments and decisions. And, of course, his technique is still highly impressive. His articulation is a thing of wonder and his structural sense is a real asset in these pieces which can often seem diffuse. Still, the performances often seem defined by what is NOT done rather than any individual touches. Rubato is at a minimum and agogic hesitations nonexistent. They are very "come scritto" in what might be considered the Toscanini tradition. As such, they would be an excellent introduction to this music for new listeners.

A number of recent recordings could be considered more individual and detailed - Ciccolini, D'Ascoli, Ohlsson, even Hewitt. Not to mention the older recordings of Arrau, Francois and the wonderfully mannered Moravec.

A note on the recording: I found is surprisingly substandard for DG - shallow and muffled. Pollini deserves better.

HOLY COW!.......2006-06-19

According to the DG website, this set was supposed to be released in Novemeber of 2005 -- and it came out 7 months later! What an awful, miserable wait... I wish Pollini weren't on their back-burner, I think he's the best thing they have! This set is ridiculously good, amazing, excellent.

These pieces have always been special and important to me. As a result I've bought many complete performances (Arrau, Moravec, Rubinstein, Rev, Pires, Barenboim, Vasary, Francois) and quite a few partial performances...

I am mad that I had to wait so long to get these discs. But that's the greed in me speaking. I would pay anything for these discs, wait any amount of time. I am glad and grateful to have them.

As for the performances, I don't really know what to say... Pollini has evolved and developed SO much as an artist. He could always terrify and excite me, take my breath away, but he rarely made me cry. Here, me makes me cry again and again. These aren't necessarily the most sentimental pieces, and they're anything but "soft." It's just that his touch has become so delicate, so sensitive -- and his technique is all still there. So detailed, soaring, I'd go so far as to say visionary... I hope Pollini lives forever! I can't wait, can't want, must-force-myself-to-wait for his forthcoming Bach!

Solo Piano: Impressions on Chopin's Nocturnes

Average customer rating:

A Masterpiece !! - The best Nocturnes in 150 years!
Lloyal fan, but disappointed

Solo Piano: Impressions on Chopin's Nocturnes

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Plays Debussy
Baroque Favorites
Allegretto from Symphony No. 7, Theme and Variations
Satie: Gymnopedies Gnossiennes / Jacques Loussier Trio
Jacques Loussier Trio: Bach's Goldberg Variations

ASIN: B00062P5MU
Release Date: 2004-10-26