Polonaises

1. Polonaise for piano in C sharp minor, Op. 26/1, CT 150
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Artur Rubinstein

2. Polonaise for piano in E flat minor, Op. 26/2, CT 151
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Artur Rubinstein

3. Polonaise for piano in A major, Op. 40/1, CT 152
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Artur Rubinstein

4. Polonaise for piano in C minor, Op. 40/2, CT 153
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Artur Rubinstein

5. Polonaise for piano in F sharp minor, Op. 44, CT 154
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Artur Rubinstein

6. Polonaise for piano in A flat major, Op. 53, CT 155
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Artur Rubinstein

7. Polonaise-fantasy for piano in A flat major, Op. 61, CT 156
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Artur Rubinstein

8. Andante spianato and Grande Polonaise for piano, Op. 22.
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Artur Rubinstein

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.

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:

Impecable!
Superb Playing
Really extraordinary performance of the Preludes and Etudes!
About the Etudes
This Music Doesn't Need A Title

Chopin: Etudes/Preludes/Polonaises

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Chopin: Nocturnes
Beethoven: Die Späten Klaviersonaten
Chopin: 4 Ballades; Fantaisie, Op. 49; Prelude, Op. 45
Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus
Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording

ASIN: B000001GE5
Release Date: 1991-02-08

Tracks:

12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 1 C-dur: Allegro
12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 2 a-moll: Allegro
12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 3 E-dur: Lento, ma non troppo
12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 4 cis-moll: Presto
12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 5 Ges-dur: Vivace
12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 6 es-moll: Andante
12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 7 C-dur: Vivace
12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 8 F-dur: Allegro
12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 9 f-moll: Allegro, molto agitato
Etudes Op. 10: No. 10 As-dur: Vivace assai
Etudes Op. 10: No. 11 Es-dur: Allegretto
Etudes Op. 10: No. 12 c-moll: Allegro con fuoco
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 1 As-dur: Allegro sostenuto
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 2 f-moll: Presto
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 3 F-dur: Allegro
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 4 a-moll: Agitato
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 5 e-moll: Vivace
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 6 gis-moll: Allegro
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 7 cis-moll: Lento
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 8 Des-dur: Vivace
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 9 Ges-dur: Allegro assai
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 10 h-moll: Allegro con fuoco
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 11 a-moll: Lento - Allegro con brio
12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 12 c-moll: Molto allegro, con fuoco

Tracks:

24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 1 C-Dur: Agitato
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 2 a-moll: Lento
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 3 G-Dur: Vivace
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 4 e-moll: Largo
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 5 D-Dur: Allegro molto
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 6 h-moll: Lento assai
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 7 A-Dur: Andantino
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 8 fis-moll: Molto agitato
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 9 E-Dur: Largo
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 10 cis-moll: Allegro molto
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 11 H-Dur: Vivace
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 12 gis-moll: Presto
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 13 Fis-Dur: Lento
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 14 es-moll: Allegro
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 15 Des-Dur: Sostenuto
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 16 b-moll: Presto con fuoco
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 17 As-Dur: Allegretto
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 18 f-moll: Allegro molto
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 19 Es-Dur: Vivace
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 20 c-moll: Largo
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 21 B-Dur: Cantabile
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 22 g-moll: Molto agitato
24 Preludes Op. 28: Nr. 23 F-Dur: Moderato
24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 24 d-moll: Allegro apassionato

Tracks:

Polonaise Op. 26: No. 1: Allegro appassionato
Polonaise Op. 26: No. 2: Maestoso
Polonaise Op. 40: No. 1: Allegro con brio
Polonaise Op. 40: No. 2: Allegro maestoso
Polonaise Op. 44
Polonaise Op. 53
Polonaise-Fantasie Op. 61

Amazon.com essential recording

Chopin may have distrusted romanticism, yet no other romantic composer has worn as well. His music both stings and sings with harmonic adventurousness, together with an uncanny instinct for the geography of the keyboard. The Op. 28 Préludes exemplify Chopin's genius for telegraphing big ideas into snug spaces, while his Études provide an index to his pianistic idiom. Pollini fares best in the Préludes, where his aristocratic pacing and cool control allow the music's mood swings to speak for themselves. The Études glitter with icy accuracy, but the Polonaises lack Rubinstein's rhythmic snap and generosity of spirit. Still, Pollini's unruffled pianism remains the envy of every conservatory student and competition aspirant. DG's analog sonics are fully competitive. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Impecable!.......2005-11-09

Pollini's interpretation and execution of the 24 etudes is superb, as are his polanaises. His preludes however, no.19 especially, I feel, have a touch of delicacy which it could do without. Where marked 'vivace' it is played closer to 'presto'. Apart from this however it is a first class performance, and fully worthy of the 5 stars I have given it.

Matt

Superb Playing.......2005-08-24

While sometimes a little faster than generally performed (as my teacher put it "because he can!") Pollini exeplifies near flawless technique with wonderful interpretation of Chopin. The only complaint I personally have, is that the playing seems a bit technical, and not as much emotion is put into the actual peices. Though Etudes are not generally known for their musicality, Pollini, I feel, could still be afford a little more push/pull in some of the selections.

Pollini does bring a new freshness to the set of preludes. Overplayed and sometimes butchered by the amateur pianist, Pollini peroforms these preludes masterfully and brings them to a level that I've rarely heard.

Other than my minor complaint, I feel that for any student or teacher willing to complete, add or update their library this is a great choice. Pollini delivers a crystal clear performance, worthy of any listener. Easily one of my favorite recordings in my collection!

Really extraordinary performance of the Preludes and Etudes!.......2005-02-25

It takes a very great artist to be able to play pieces which have been overperformed and overtaught, and bring something fresh to the table. Pollini does just that, especially in his performances of the Preludes and Etudes.

I would love to take a poll of the pianists and piano teachers here to see how many times they have taught the Chopin Preludes. From my own experience, I've taught these pieces so many times that I find myself dreading teaching #4 (e minor), #6 (b minor), #7 (A Major) or #20 (c minor) -- and I think we forget that these pieces are actual music and NOT "teaching pieces".

Pollini succeeds in taking these over-played pieces and transforming them back into "music". It's really nothing short of amazing. As I listened, I began noticing secondary melodies I'd never heard, particularly in #5 (D Major), #13 (F-Sharp Major), and #14 (e-flat minor). The F-Sharp Major Prelude is particularly gorgeous -- almost heart-rendingly so in the middle section. The g-sharp minor Prelude has exactly the right sense of fire and drive to bring this piece across; the A-Flat Major, E-Flat Major and F Major Preludes are nothing short of ravishing.

I bought this CD collection on suggestion of a friend of mine (also a pianist) who has experienced the same kind of burn-out I have with Chopin pieces which are over-taught and over-played, and/or over-interpreted to the point where the pieces become parodies of themselves. (I never heard so much bad, truly affected Chopin playing as I did at the school where I initially trained as a pianist!).

Pollini's Chopin is a real breath of fresh air -- restrained, elegantly timed rubatos; enough pedal to effect tonal coloring without the overpedalling so common in so many Chopin performances; a sense of drama in the playing combined with an edge of restraint so the pieces are never "over-played"; and he has an uncanny ability to convey a strong sense of structure to these pieces.

I can say quite honestly that the performances of the Preludes and Etudes on this CD have the force of a revelation. The proof of this is that after hearing the CD (many times), I have decided to learn all 24 Preludes (plus the C-Sharp Minor Prelude, op. 45) and play them all in a recital.

The Polonaises aren't quite as spellbinding as the Preludes and as riveting as the Etudes; but the Preludes and Etudes make this a compelling collection. I strongly and enthusiastically recommend this CD compilation!

About the Etudes.......2001-02-14

This album may be the best Chopin package on the market, especially given the bargain price. That said, an out-of-print CD featuring a young Vladimir Ashkenazy, recorded in Moscow in 1959/60, would be an even better choice (with respect to the Etudes) should it ever again become available. In that legendary recording, Ashkenazy's technique - especially in Op. 25, No. 6 - sends chills down the spine, and he infuses more life into the music than does Pollini. The Ashkenazy of that vintage should not be confused with his older ghost, currently available on the London/Decca label.

What Pollini offers here are whistle-clean performances of (some of) Chopin's major solo works. Pollini's approach, if somewhat clinical, is refreshing for its lack of affectation or excess. He does not belabor the music as many other Chopin performers are inclined to do, and he plays with solid technique throughout.

This Music Doesn't Need A Title.......2001-02-09

I really like this CD because (1) I am a big Chopin fan, and (2) I know these pieces well. Chopin's good point is his romanticism. The tracks on this CD are full of his deep, pasionate feeling for his native Poland, even though he was half French and lived outside Poland in such places as Majorca. He was the archetype of the romantic exile, and did his best to live up to this image by writing appropriately evocative music.

Average customer rating:

To play the piano according the analytical coldness of a chess player?
Brittle, tense readings, best taken one at a time
exceptional intensity
Not as great as its cracked up to be
WOW!!!

Chopin: Polonaises / Maurizio Pollini

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Chopin: Etudes
Chopin: Twenty Four Préludes Op.28
Chopin: Nocturnes
Chopin: 4 Ballades; Fantaisie, Op. 49; Prelude, Op. 45
Chopin: 4 Scherzi/Berceuse/Barcarolle

ASIN: B000006NXQ
Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

In C Sharp Minor Allegro Appassionato: Polonaise Cis-Moll Opus 26 No.1
In E Flat Minor Maetoso: Polonaise Es-Moll Opus 26 No.2
In A Major Allegro Con Brio: Polonaise A-Dur Opus 40 No. 1
In C Minor Allegro Maetoso: Polonaise C-Moll Opus 40 No. 2
In F Sharp Minor Tempo I: Polonaise Fis-Moll Opus 44
In A Flat Major Maetoso: Polonaise As-dur Opus 53
Allegro Maetoso: Polonaise - Fantaisie As-Dur Opus 61

Customer Reviews:

To play the piano according the analytical coldness of a chess player?.......2006-07-11

There are certain elements of contemporaneity that have allowed me to understand the exaggerated importance conferred to the pianist technique in this last generation of gifted pianists, as a doubtful device to enrich the vision. The technique allows to express you as artists without a minimum of commitment or personal conviction around the work you are playing. This easies the coveted search of overall objectivity and absolute control about the work. So, you may get excellent and superb results playing a contemporary repertoire n which the lack of musicality seems to be a value by itself. Moreover, you achieve the goal, but you lack presence, passion, inner fire, personal expression and subjectivity.

The problem with this assumed conception is extremely dangerous, because your playing may result quite homogeneous, losing style, personal pronouncement and even tune and temperament; and so many pianists eventually will sound democratically similar. I personally sustain the conviction every artist is potentially aristocrat; if you don't illuminate the score, you never will commit any mistake, if you turn quite rational, you have nothing to loose, but beware, because you are involuntarily becoming a playing machine.

This has a valid approach for many artists, conductors; and perhaps you may win the game at the moment to play contemporary composers, but to play Chopin under this sinister perspective is like to asphyxiate the Dionysian element present in the score. The problem in music is that both elements must be present, due they work out as Siamese brothers, you kill one of them, you are killing the other too.

This is probably, the coldest performance I have ever heard about Chopin's Polonaises. I paid special attention during four auditions in LP format and it was enough to understand the Chopin of Pollini has nothing to do with the Chopin I demand. But if you want to take the risk, it's up to you.

Brittle, tense readings, best taken one at a time.......2006-01-11

Pollini views the seven mature Polonaises of Chopin as militant works expressive of Polish fire and pride. I applaud that, but to hear all of them in a row, each played with brittle, aloof fierceness, is taxing.

Things are not helped by DG's unpleasantly clangy piano sound. We are inside the lid, and there are moments when the head-bashing becomes intolerable for any long stretch. I would also say that in the two famous major-key Polonaises, the "Heroic" and "Military," Pollini oculd have relented and given us a sense of exuberance without so much percussive insistence. I'm am a huge fan, but this 1976 release is my least favorite Pollini recital.

exceptional intensity.......2006-01-06

I could not disagree with the opinion of 'a music fan' (see below) more. Unlike, say, the mazurkas, which must be played a clear sense of their unlying dance rhythms, or even the composer's own earlier works in this genre, Chopin's 7 mature Polonaises are epic pianistic tone-poems expressing his Polish nationalism. The 4 minor key polonaises in particular have a demonic ferocity which Pollini makes the most of. His playing of the second Polonaise in Eb minor, with his very rhythmically free opening, is one of the most compelling things I have ever heard. The fourth in c-minor is equally darkly intense.
The two famous major key polonaises are given mighty readings too. Highly recommended.

Not as great as its cracked up to be.......2001-12-08

This recording of Chopin's polonaise's is very dissapointing to me. Just as many of Pollini's other Chopin recordings. Let's start by realizing what a polonaise is. It's a Polish dance. If this were my first listening to these pieces, I would think that they were anything but, the way Pollini plays them. He takes way to much liberties with the tempos, and overanalyzes them. Whether it be light or heavey, a performer cannot take too much liberty with a dance movement or else it completely looses its cohesive qualities, most importantly, a somewhat steady pulse. These aren't (in my opinion) supposed to be intense, emotional rollecoasters. Rather they are supposed to be colorful, blissful, but by no means light dance movements. The popular 6th polonaise clocks in at over 7 minutes, which is about a whole minute longer than most recordings. This is Chopin we're talking about here, not Rachmaninov. In my opinion, one should stay away from Pollini's Chopin performances. He pretty much strays from what Chopin had intended the works to be and ends up ruining the beautiful qualities held in this work.

WOW!!!.......2001-11-21

I can not imagine more accurate interpretations of these prodigious works...except (maybe) from Chopin himself. Pollini far transcends those pianists who believe that Chopin's music is romantic - Chopin never exaggerated anything (as in the normal Romantic Era tradition). Chopin's music was direct and forceful, as is Pollini. Chopin's music was nostalgic and deep, as is Pollini. Very few pianists understand Chopin as deeply as Pollini does...I highly reccommend this CD.

Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin

Average customer rating:

Essential for the chansom junkie. Buy It.
Almost completely wonderful
Indisputable Gallic flair
Idiomatic, fresh, cleanly recorded
the best songs ever ruined by uneven performing

Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin
Francis Poulenc , Dalton Baldwin , Elly Ameling , Gérard Souzay , Nicolai Gedda , Michel Sénéchal , and William Parker
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Debussy - Mélodies / Ameling · Mesplé · Command · Souzay · von Stade · Baldwin
Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin
A French Song Companion
Véronique Gens - Nuit d'étoiles (Mélodies Française) / Vignoles
The Songs of Henri Duparc

ASIN: B000002S31
Release Date: 1992-01-23

Tracks:

LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: I - Le Dromadaire
LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: II - La Chevre Du Tibet
LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: III - La Sauterelle
LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: IV - Le Dauphin
LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: V - L'ecrevisse
LE BESTIAIRE OU CORTEGE D'ORPHEE: VI - La Carpe
COCARDES: I - Miel De Narbonne
COCARDES: II - Bonne D'enfant
COCARDES: III - Enfant De Troupe
5 POEMES DE RONSARD: I - Attributs
5 POEMES DE RONSARD: II - Le Tombeau
5 POEMES DE RONSARD: III - Ballet
5 POEMES DE RONSARD: IV - Je N'ai Plus Les Os
5 POEMES DE RONSARD: V - A Son Page
CHANSONS GAILLARDES: I - La Maitresse Volage
CHANSONS GAILLARDES: II - Chanson A Boire
CHANSONS GAILLARDES: III - Madrigal
CHANSONS GAILLARDES: IV - Invocation Aux Parques
CHANSONS GAILLARDES: V - Couplets Bachiques
CHANSONS GAILLARDES: VI - L'offrande
CHANSONS GAILLARDES: VII - La Belle Jeunesse
CHANSONS GAILLARDES: VIII - Serenade
AIRS CHANTES: I - Air Romantique
AIRS CHANTES: II - Air Champetre
AIRS CHANTES: III - Air Grave
AIRS CHANTES: IV - Air Vif
Epitaphe
3 POEMES DE LOUISE LALANNE: I - Le Present
3 POEMES DE LOUISE LALANNE: II - Chanson
3 POEMES DE LOUISE LALANNE: III - Hier
4 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: I - L'anguille
4 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: II - Carte Postale
4 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: III - Avant Le Cinema
4 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: IV - 1904
5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: I - Chanson Bretonne
5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: II - Cimetiere
5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: III - La Petite Servante
5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: IV - Berceuse
5 POEMES DE MAX JACOB: V - Souric Et Mouric
8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: I - La Couronne
8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: II - Le Depart
8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: III - Les Gars Polonais
8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: IV - Le Dernier Mazour
8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: V - L'adieu
8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: VI - Le Drapeau Blanc
8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: VII - La Vistule
8 CHANSONS POLONAISES: VIII - Le Lac

Tracks:

5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: I - Peut - Il Se Reposer?
5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: II - Il La Prend Dans Ses Bras
5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: III - Plume D'eau Claire
5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: IV - Rodeuse Au Front De Verre
5 POEMES DE PAUL ELUARD: V - Amoureuses
A Sa Guitare
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: I - Bonne Journee
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: II - Une Ruine Coquille Vide
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: III - Le Front Comme Un Drapeau Perdu
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: IV - Une Roulotte Couverte En Tuiles
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: V - A Toutes Brides
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: VI - Une Herbe Pauvre
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: VII - Je N'ai Envie Que De T'aimer
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: VIII - Figure De Force Brulante Et Farouche
TEL JOUR, TELLE NUIT: IX - Nous Avons Fait La Nuit
3 POEMES DE LOUISE DE VILMORIN: I - Le Garcon De Liege
3 POEMES DE LOUISE DE VILMORIN: II - Au-Dela
3 POEMES DE LOUISE DE VILMORIN: III - Aux Officiers De La Garde Blanche
2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: I - Dans Le Jardin D'anna
2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: II - Allons Plus Vite
MIROIRS BRULANTS: I - Tu Vois Le Feu Du Soir
MIROIRS BRULANTS: II - Je Nommerai Ton Front
Le Portrait
La Grenouillere
Priez Pour Paix
Ce Doux Petit Visage
Bleuet
FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: I - La Dame D'andre
FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: II - Dans L'herbe
FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: III - Il Vole
FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: IV - Mon Cadavre Est Doux Comme Un Gant
FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: V - Violon
FIANCAILLES POUR RIRE: VI - Fleurs

Tracks:

BANALITES: I - Chanson D'orkenise
BANALITES: II - Hotel
BANALITES: III - Fagnes De Wallonie
BANALITES: IV - Voyage A Paris
BANALITES: V - Sanglots
CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: I - Chanson Du Clair Tamis
CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: II - Les Gars Qui Vont A La Fete
CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: III - C'est Le Joli Printemps
CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: IV - Le Mendiant
CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: V - Chanson De La Fille Frivole
CHANSONS VILLAGEOISES: VI - Le Retour Du Sergent
METAMORPHOSES: I - Reine Des Mouettes
METAMORPHOSES: II - C'est Ainsi Que Tu Es
METAMORPHOSES: III - Paganini
2 POEMES DE LOUIS ARAGON: I - C
2 POEMES DE LOUIS ARAGON: II - Fetes Galantes
2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: I - Montparnasse
2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: II - Hyde Park
2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: I - Le Pont
2 POEMES DE GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE: II - Un Poeme
Paul Et Virginie
Mais Mourir
Hymne
3 CHANSONS DE FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA: I - L'enfant Muet
3 CHANSONS DE FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA: II - Adelina A La Promenade
3 CHANSONS DE FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA: III - Chanson A L'oranger Sec
Le Disparu
Main Dominee Par Le Coeur
CALLIGRAMMES: I - L'espionne
CALLIGRAMMES: II - Mutation
CALLIGRAMMES: III - Vers Le Sud
CALLIGRAMMES: IV - Il Pleut
CALLIGRAMMES: V - La Grace Exilee
CALLIGRAMMES: VI - Aussi Bien Que Les Cigales
CALLIGRAMMES: VII - Voyage

Tracks:

Mazurka
LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: I - Rayon Des Yeux...
LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: II - Le Matin Les Branches Attisent...
LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: III - Tout Disparut...
LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: IV - Dans Les Tenebres Du Jardin...
LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: V - Unis La Fraicheur Et Le Feu...
LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: VI - Homme Au Sourire Tendre...
LA FRAICHEUR ET LE FEU: VII - La Grande Riviere Qui VA...
PARISIANA: Le Joueur De Bugle
PARISIANA: Vous N'ecrivez Plus?
Rosemonde
LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: I - Pablo Picasso
LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: II - Marc Chagall
LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: III - Georges Braque
LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: IV - Juan Gris
LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: V - Paul Klee
LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: VI - Joan Miro
LE TRAVAIL DU PEINTRE: VII - Jacques Villon
La Souris
Nuage
Dernier Poeme
Une Chanson De Porcelaine
LA COURTE PAILLE: I - Le Sommeil
LA COURTE PAILLE: II - Quelle Aventure!
LA COURTE PAILLE: III - La Reine De Coeur
LA COURTE PAILLE: IV - Ba, Be, Bi, Bo, Bu
LA COURTE PAILLE: V - Les Anges Musiciens
LA COURTE PAILLE: VI - Le Carafon
LA COURTE PAILLE: VII - Lune D'avril
Toreador
4 CHANSONS POUR ENFANTS: I - La Tragique Histoire Du Petit Rene
4 CHANSONS POUR ENFANTS: II - Nous Voulons Une Petite Soeur
4 CHANSONS POUR ENFANTS: III - Le Petit Garcon Trop Bien Portant
4 CHANSONS POUR ENFANTS: IV - Monsieur Sans-Souci
Fancy
Colloque

Customer Reviews:

Essential for the chansom junkie. Buy It........2006-10-25

'Poulenc Melodies' performed by a really impressive lineup of vocal talent including Elly Ameling and Nicolai Gedda is exactly the kind of recording you need if you are compulsive about having 'complete' collections of things. This shows a range of composition which smaller releases such as single CD 'Voyage a Paris' (Hyperion, with Felicity Lott and Graham Johnson)can give us. For starters, many of these chansom showed a lot more evidence of more modern stylings and a far greater range of interpretation. In fact, I even had to check the lyrics in the included booklet to verify that on some songs, the performers were singing in French. Even though I have a smattering of knowledge of French, I would have sworn that the singers were performing songs in Russian.

I am happy that all four discs run for more than 60 minutes. No cheap short changing here. If you don't want to spring for the large set, the Hyperion release is great, but this is worth every penny.

Almost completely wonderful.......2005-04-29

Its very considerable advantage lies in its completeness. Poulenc was one of the very greatest songwriters of any era. If you have no Poulenc songs in your collection, start here. The recommendation of Kruysen is a fine one, but only after you have heard this as a basis of comparison. Of Ameling, Senechal, Souzay, Gedda, and Parker, the only disappointment is Parker, who - I'll just say it - sings with his usual bleat. Souzay is a shade past it in vocal quality, but he still understands these songs as well as anybody, with great declamation (and that, after all, is what most of French singing is about). The dryness of the voice is nowhere close to disastrous, as it might have been in Italian opera. Indeed, it lends an air of life lived, without excuses. Gedda is okay. The standouts are Souzay, Ameling, and Senechal. Baldwin accompanies superbly.

Indisputable Gallic flair.......2004-06-06

These performances are piquant and stylistically right on target. Even if Souzay is past his best here, he brings a lifetime of experience to bear and the other performers are wonderful. Ignore the curmudgeon who blasted this set. You will enjoy this tremendously if you love Poulenc.

Idiomatic, fresh, cleanly recorded.......2001-05-12

This is a fine set. Dalton Baldwin accompanies each singer with clarity and zest. And who can resist the affectionate singing of the likes of Nicolai Gedda and Elly Ameling? The "melodies" themselves are magnificent--among Poulenc's finest creations. Whether you have other performances of these works or not, I think you'd be pleased with this beautifully recorded set. Certainly the 70's-vintage performances are more individual in profile, more "romantic," if you will, than those conjured by most of the "anonymous" singers of our own age. Recommended with enthusiasm.

the best songs ever ruined by uneven performing.......2001-05-05

This is a warning for all Poulenc fans NOT to take the bargain route and purchase this immense collection -- you might think you're getting a great deal but: the singing and pianism is substandard and doesn't do the music justice (remotely). Songs like Bonne Journe'e or Ho^tel are all but ruined... Here's what to buy: Bernard Kruysen's CD of selected Poulenc masterpieces (favoring the Elouard settings)... nobody will ever come close to Kruysen in interpreting Poulenc. Avoid THIS CD. They still get 2 stars for (1) being encyclical and (2) delivering clear and even sound quality.

Average customer rating:

Chopin Reincarnated

Chopin: Polonaises

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Chopin: Préludes & Nocturnes
Les Introuvables de Alexis Weissenberg
Garrick Ohlsson Edition: Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39; Enigma Variations Op. 36

ASIN: B000B668W2
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Tracks:

I. C Sharp Minor
II. E Flat Minor
I. A Major Militaire
II. C Minor
Polonaise In F Sharp Minor Op.44
Polonaise In A Flat Op.53 Heroique
Polonaise-Fantaisie In A Flat Op.61
I. D Minor
II. B Flat
III. F Minor

Tracks:

Andante Spianato & Grande Polonaise Brillante In E Flat Op.22
Polonaise In G Minor
Polonaise In B Flat
Polonaise In A Flat
Polonaise In G Sharp Minor
Polonaise In B Flat Minor Adieu
Polonaise In G Flat
Fantaisie In F Minor Op.49
Barcarolle In F Sharp Op.60
Variations Brillantes Sur Le Rondeau Favori Je Vends Des Scapulaires Des Ludovic De Herold Et Halevy In B Flat Op.12 - Ronald Smith
Bolero In A Minor Op.19 - Ronald Smith
Tarantelle In A Flat Op.43 - Ronald Smith
I. D Major - Ronald Smith
II. G Major - Ronald Smith
III. D Flat - Ronald Smith

Customer Reviews:

Chopin Reincarnated.......2006-09-14

This recording is a must for any music lover! Mr. Ohlsson will help you emerge from the cave of musical shadows, into which you were perhaps driven by lesser performers. You will get no schmaltz from Mr. Ohlsson; he is as far away from the schmaltz as Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is from the Harlequin Romances. You will be brought out from the shadows to the goodness of the musical sun, by this supreme performance in which Mr. Ohlsson has reincarnated Chopin. Mr. Ohlsson was a winner of the Chopin competition in his youth, and it shows! His clarity is phenomenal, his interpretation unforgettable. There are many Chopin recordings, by various distinguished artists, but this one is really unique. At the end of the second CD there are several bands by another fine performer, Ronald Smith, which fit nicely.

Average customer rating:

A captivating and important achievement

Clara Schumann: Complete Piano Works

Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005MAV1
Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

Sonata In G Minor: Allegro
Sonata In G Minor: Adagio
Sonata In G Minor: Scherzo
Sonata In G Minor: Rondo
Romanze In B Minor
Impromptu In E Major
Romanze In A Minor
Scherzo Op. 10 In D Minor
Deuxieme Scherzo Op. 14 In C Minor
Praludium In F Minor
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Toccatina In A Minor
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Notturno In F Major
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Ballade In D Minor
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Ballade In D Minor
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Mazurka In G Major
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Polonaise In A Minor
Etude In A-Flat Major
Marsch In E-Flat Major

Tracks:

Praeludien Und Fugen Op. 16: Andante-Allegro Vivace
Praeludien Und Fugen Op. 16: Allegretto-Andante
Praeludien Und Fugen Op. 16: Andante-Andante Con Moto
Variationen Uber Ein Thema Von Robert sSchumann Op. 20
Trois Romances Op. 11: Andante
Trois Romances Op. 11: Andante Und Allegro
Trois Romances Op. 11: Moderato
Romance Variee Op. 3
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Moderato
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Moderato
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Andantino
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegretto
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Risoluto
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Assai
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegretto
Souvenir De Vienne, Impromptu Op. 9
Valses Romantiques Op. 4

Tracks:

Variatons De Concert Sur La Cavatine Du Pirate De Bellini Op. 8
Quatre Polonoises Op. 1: Polonoise In E-flat Major
Quatre Polonoises Op. 1: Polonoise In C-Major
Quatre Polonoises Op. 1: Polonoise In D Major
Quatre Polonoises Op. 1: Polonoise In C Major
Quatre Pieces Caracteristiques Op. 5: Impromptu. Le Sabbat
Quatre Pieces Caracteristiques Op. 5: Caprice A La Bolero
Quatre Pieces Caracteristiques Op. 5: Romance
Quatre Pieces Caracteristiques Op. 5: Scene Fantastique. Le Ballet Des Revenants
Quatre Pieces Fugitives Op. 15: Larghetto
Quatre Pieces Fugitives Op. 15: Un Poco Agitato
Quatre Pieces Fugitives Op. 15: Andante Espressivo
Quatre Pieces Fugitives Op. 15: Scherzo
Praludium Und Fuge
Drei Fugen Uber Themen Von J.S. Bach: Fuga A 4 Voci In E-flat Major
Drei Fugen Uber Themen Von J.S. Bach: Fuga A 4 Voci In E Major
Drei Fugen Uber Themen Von J.S. Bach: Fuga A 4 Voci In G Minor
Drei Romanzen Op. 21: Andante, Sehr Innig Bewegt, Tempo I
Drei Romanzen Op. 21: Allegretto (Sehr Zart Zu Spielen)
Drei Romanzen Op. 21: Agitato, Langsamer, Tempo I

Customer Reviews:

A captivating and important achievement.......2007-01-15

Robert Schumann was a central figure in the Romantic period of classical music. Fitting the period, the romantic idyll of Robert and Clara Schumann's trial-filled courtship and ultimate marriage against the wishes of Clara's father, Friedrich Wieck, has been endlessly written about.

But it is not until now that we have, for the first time, access to the complete piano compositions of Clara Schumann. I cannot imagine a more sensitive and nuanced performance of these works than that of Jozef De Beenhouwer, a Belgian pianist who has made a specialty of the music of both Robert and Clara Schumann. He received the Robert Schumann Prize from the City of Zwickau, Schumann's birthplace, and has completed an unfinished second concerto of Clara Schumann, not included in this set.

Clara Schumann was prepared by her father not only to be a virtuoso pianist. He also envisaged her as the first great female composer. He opposed her marriage to Robert in part because he reckoned that her probable role as a wife and mother - as well as Robert's ambitions as a comoposer - would bury her talent. Clara's first group of compositions were published when she was only 11 years of age. A surviving piano concerto, Op. 7, was performed to critical acclaim when Clara was 16.

Clara Schumann continued as a famous pianist and musical presence throughout her life (40 years after her husband's tragic death). However, although Robert recognized her compositional talent and encouraged her, the birth of eight children, and her role as a wife and pianist early curtailed her compositional activity (old Wieck was right in this respect). Her compositions have widely been regarded as worth little attention in comparison to those of her husband.

But this collection lets us make up our own minds about Clara's compositions. Most are from her early years, with a few from her later life. Except for her Concerto, many of the early works are in light genres, e.g. Polonaises (Op. 1), Romances, Impromptus, etc, but I found boldness, confidence, and originality in works from her earliest years. The Scherzi, Op. 10 and 14, are powerful and technically demanding. Some of the most remarkable pieces are preludes and fuges based on themes of J.S.Bach, and themes by Robert, written in the year, 1845, which gained favorable reviews for their skill and substance.

In summary, my wife and I both find this four-CD set both highly rewarding music beyond any novelty value associated the fame of the Schumann connection. In fact, I don't hesitate to make my own assessment that had Clara had the same opportunities as Robert, she may well have equalled him as a composer and fulfilled father Friedrich's dream.

Average customer rating:

Ashkenazy is a joy to hear
Not a Good Choice for Polonaises
Utterly powerful

Chopin Polonaises

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chopin: Waltzes; 4 Scherzos; 26 Preludes

ASIN: B0000042EG
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

3 Polonaises, op. 71: I - D Minor
3 Polonaises, op. 71: II - B Flat Major
3 Polonaises, op. 71: III - F Minor
6 Polonaises, op. posth.: I - B Flat Minor
6 Polonaises, op. posth.: II - G Flat Major
6 Polonaises, op. posth.: III - G MInor
6 Polonaises, op. posth.: IV - B Flat Major
6 Polonaises, op. posth.: V - A Flat Major
6 Polonaises, op. posth.: VI - G Sharp Minor
2 Polonaises, op. 26: I - C Sharp Minor
2 Polonaises, 0p. 26: II - E Flat Minor
2 Polonaises, op. 40: I - A Major
2 Polonaises, op. 40: II - C Minor

Tracks:

Polonaise in F sharp minor op. 44
Polonaise in A flat major, op. 53
Polonaise-fantaisie in A flat major, op. 61
Allegro de concert, op. 46
Trois nouvelles etudes: I - F Minor
Trois nouvelles etudes: II - A Flat Major
Trois nouvelles etudes: III - D Flat Major
Tarentelle in A flat major, op. 43
Fugue in A minor
Albumblatt in E major
Wiosna
2 Bourrees: I - G Minor & II - A Major
Galop marquis
Berceuse in D flat major, op. 57
Barcarolle in F sharp major, op. 60

Customer Reviews:

Ashkenazy is a joy to hear.......2002-05-28

Like every other Chopin CD that he's done, Ashkenazy is again marvelous. There is none better. It's that simple.

Not a Good Choice for Polonaises.......2001-03-25

The only value I see in this cd is that it contains some posthumous polonaises which were written by Chopin in his teens, along with other miscellaneous pieces which are hard to find. But these minor pieces are really of interest for the collector. For the mature polonaises, I will not return to listen to these recordings. Ashkenazy plays the enthusiastic fortes with insensitivity and lack of emotion. For example if you compare his rendition of the "Military" polonaise with the recording by Rubinstein on RCA, you will stop listening. Also, for some strange reason he omits the Andante spianato and Grande polonaise, Op. 22. Ashkenazy includes the famous Berceuse and Barcarolle, which gives the illusion of being a great bargain. But outside of the miscellaneous pieces, the mature Polonaises and famous pieces could fit on one disk. So this is really not a bargain. I recommend any recording by Rubinstein over the present cd, particularly the one on RCA or the 1930s EMI recording. I don't particularly care much for Pollini's recording of the Polonaises, but it is better than Ashkenazy. For the Barcarolle I recommend Dinu Lipatti, and for the Berceuse, Solomon. Ashkenazy in general has a mixed bag of recordings. Some of them, e.g. the Rachmaninov Preludes and the Chopin Ballades and Scherzi, are outstanding and near definitive. But if someone were to ask me for an example of a poor Ashkenazy recording, the present cd is the first example I would give.

Utterly powerful.......2001-02-01

Out of all the Chopin interpreters, I think Vladimir Ashkenazy tops them all. I first heard Ashkenazy's Chopin in college when I listened to his recordings of the Nocturnes, and from then on, I've been addicted. Ashkenazy takes each of Chopin's mediums--Nocturnes, Ballades, Polonaises--and gives them each a sense of individuality, a life all of their own. And his interpretations of the Polonaises are utterly unbelievable, as there is such force and such fierce passion behind the music, such a fiery enormity that doesn't waver even for a moment. Under Ashkenazy's skilled hands, the Polonaises virtually come alive. No one could have done them better.

Average customer rating:

People
The Way Lizst Should Be Played
As you like it
Stephen Hough New King of the Piano Hill
Among the best recordings of the Sonata

Liszt: Sonata, Ballades and Polonaises
Stephen Hough
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
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

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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 45

ASIN: B000050X9P
Release Date: 2000-12-12

Tracks:

Two Polonaises, S223: No.1 Polonaise Melancolique in c
Two Polonaises, S223: No.2 Polonaise in E
Ballade No.1 in D flat, S170 ('Le Chant Du Croise')
Ballade No.2 in b
Berceuse, S174 (First Version)
Pno Son in b, S178: Lento Assai - Allegro Energico - Grandioso - Recitativo
Pno Son in b, S178: Andante Sostenuto - Quasi Adagio
Pno Son in b, S178: Allegro Energico
Pno Son in b, S178: (Allegro Energico) - Piu Mosso - Stretta, Quasi Presto - Presto - Prestissimo
Pno Son in b, S178: Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Moderato - Lento Assai

Amazon.com

Stephen Hough has already proven his virtuoso credentials elsewhere, so he doesn't need to worry about his reputation for technique with this Franz Liszt collection. And his playing of the Ballade No. 2--deeply serious Liszt, and bristling with technical challenges--is enough to dazzle any listener. So when Hough doesn't dazzle as much in other challenging music, like the Polonaise No. 2 and, above all, the Sonata, we can presume that he is making interpretive decisions instead of ducking hazards he can't overcome. Hough's interpretation of the Sonata does pay some musical dividends. He takes the music very seriously and aims for expression at every moment. Still, there are climaxes in the Sonata, and in the Polonaise No. 2, that simply don't come off with sufficient force. Hough's choices, while they may be honorable, diminish the contrast between fury and philosophy that can be heard more fully in Liszt performances by Martha Argerich and Sviatoslav Richter. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

People.......2007-03-16

People expecting unbridled emotional outpouring from Stephen Hough's approach to Liszt's music will undoubtedly be disappointed. The primary and most valuable advice for those who are about to buy or play this cd on their stereos is simply to get Argerich off their minds. Don't get me wrong, Stephen is never analytic or self-conscious. There's no way one could blame him for being inadequately restrained in his playing - he turns in beautiful, haunting and moving performances while affording to preserve and emphasize the structural features of these remarkable pieces. Liszt's Sonata in B minor is played as a coherent and impressive historical account of one's struggle to survive and maintain his sanity in a world ravaged by fear, pain and lack of redemption - it's an essay on vulnerability. Stephen's clearness of articulation and sophisticated lyricism is matched by very few Liszt interpreters out there today. Such remarkable qualities become especially evident in his rendition of the second Polonaise, which is even more convincing and fluent than Hamelin's. This cd is a must-have.

The Way Lizst Should Be Played.......2004-05-03

With the exception of the Sonata, I was unfamiliar with the works on this CD but the pieces are striking in their selection so my interest was peaked. Another recommendation for this CD is Stephen Hough. Anyone who has encountered his playing knows the meticulous and restrained approach he has when performing. Anyone purchasing this CD will be amply rewarded.

The Polonaises were written following the death of Chopin but there is not much in common with the Polish composer in Liszt's two examples. The first Polonaise carries the title "melancolique" and is an introspective work while the second such work is more a dance, containing the brilliant keyboard techniques one associates with Liszt. The Berceuse is an interesting work (played here in the first version) since it is very closely modeled on Chopin's own work down to the key of D flat. The piece unfolds in a contemplative and quiet mood, containing none of the embellishments later added by Liszt. The two Ballades are also reminiscent of Chopin and were composed by Liszt before his friend's death. The neglected First Ballade is based on a Crusader song and the Second, and much longer, piece is a narrative drama with the scale and octave passages usually associated with Liszt.

Stephen Hough plays the Sonata with great restraint and balance. He does not play with the bombast of many pianists but is finely shaded and well balanced. The clarity and respect for the score that Mr. Hough seeks in his performance may not register well with everyone but this performance is a refreshing contrast to more passionate accounts. The booklet is very informative, as is usually the case with Hyperion recordings.

As you like it.......2002-02-12

This is a great CD. As usual, Mr. Hough is magnificent: beatiful when the music is expressive, and brilliant in the cadanzas and other filagree

In my opinion, the musical stars of the show are the second Polonaise and the second Ballade. Immersed in Chopin's music in my younger days, I always considered his Ballades as narratives telling wondrous and fabulous stories (like something out the "Arabian Nights" perhaps).

The second Ballade evokes the same feeling: wondrous, fabulous, glorious. The opening is awesome. There are moments when I am reminded of his Benediction.

Fifty-some years ago. I heard Horowitz play this Sonata; it was terrific. I haven't hear any records or CDs that can reproduce the effects of its live performance. In my opinion, this CD is no exception. The pianist is being the very best he can be, but is dealing with too many slam-bangs in the score. So I leave this sonata to more knowledeable reviewers,

Stephen Hough New King of the Piano Hill.......2001-05-31

This was the first recording of Hough I've heard and it knocked me off my chair! Gerber's objections to insufficient power and wildness miss the mark. I will reserve my confirmation of King of List until I hear the Agerich recording. I don't know if the Richter version is clean of the usual scratches but I'm open to other performances. The Horowitz version is wild to excess. In just one recording Stephen replaced my hero Murray Perahia as King. Never before have I heard such thoughtful and imaginative playing. The technique is flawless and the dynamics, coloration and great beauty are evident. The English Language cannot convey the musical beauty, you have to hear it! I am playing the "New Album" now and am hearing more of the same. It's great to discover a new gem of a pianist! Keep it up Stephen!

Dave Richards

Among the best recordings of the Sonata.......2001-01-16

I have always enjoyed the recordings of Stephen Hough and was very excited about this new release. I must admit that on the first listen, I skipped the Polonaises and Ballades and went straight for the Sonata. My first impression of the Sonata was not favorable; it seemed slow and too careful. However, repeated listenings have made me think that this is among the best recordings of the Sonata. Hough pedals through the descending line of the opening, creating a wonderfully ominous atmosphere. The passage at 7:12 on track 6 is most often played with a wild accelerando (which Liszt did not write). Hough avoids this tradition and plays it as written (a practice for which he is well-known). The result is amazingly beautiful. I too enjoy the drive of Horowitz and Argerich, they are phenomena in a class of their own. However, this new recording is much more satisfying emotionally. The Polonaise in C Minor sounds very much like Chopin, and Hough plays it very convincingly. The other gem on the recording is the 2nd Ballade. Never have I heard it played more lovingly, with greater attention to detail. A highly recommended disk.

Average customer rating:

At least 16 / 19 well spent hours
Enlightening but slighly blemished
Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc
Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc
Learn, learn, learn!

Chopin: Complete Edition
Krystian Zimerman , Claudio Arrau , Stefan Askenase , Anatol Ugorski , Maurizio Pollini , Jean-Marc Luisada , and Zilberstein, Lilya
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00001X58Z
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Amazon.com

On the 150th anniversary of his death, Deutsche Grammophon released this impressive box set featuring the complete works of Frédéric Chopin. Spread out over 17 CDs, it contains some truly big-name artists--Argerich, Pollini, Barenboim, and Ashkenazy--and a few you've probably never heard of. The majority of the set's nine volumes contain some music newly produced for this undertaking, and a few items (Chopin's songs, for instance) were recorded specifically for this collection. A well-illustrated book is included--it contains an essay, dateline, and illustrations--and each volume in the set gets its own liner notes. The music? It varies from great to less than great, but most of it is worth hearing. Those accustomed to Rubinstein's readings of the Mazurkas will find those played by Jean-Marc Luisada less fluid and lacking Rubinstein's power. Chopin's songs, seldom heard and filled with elements of Polish folk dances and the less-than-stellar lyrics of the composer's friend Stefan Witwicki, get a college try here by soprano Elzbieta Szmytka. They sound as good as you'll hear anywhere (if you can find them). It probably goes without saying that Martha Argerich's rousing 26 Préludes are some of the set's more exciting moments. But, really, the entire collection is solid. It should be noted that budget label Naxos has released its own Chopin edition at less than half the price of this set. With Idil Biret as the only performer on that set, you miss out on some of the diverse performances and personalities found here. Also, to please those of us who already own favorite performances of these works, each two-CD volume in the Complete Chopin Edition can be purchased individually. Bravo. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

At least 16 / 19 well spent hours.......2004-10-11

In my opinion there is no more effective way to ruin a great musical performance than to record it in front of an audience who cannot control their coughs. The first disc starts out with a 1979 live recording of Chopin's first piano/orchestra concerto featuring pianist Krystian Zimerman and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. The performance is good, but doesn't allow the listener full concentration,--and therefore not full enjoyment--as a distracting and annoying audience can be heard coughing, sneezing, and clearing their throats even above the orchestra's playing in mezzo forte - it gets worse, of course, at dynamically quieter musical parts. Other distractions, like chairs creaking, cracking and squeaking, pages being turned probably inches away from a microphone (perhaps to give the page-turner a chance to say "Did you hear that? That was me,") and people stomping/dropping things (?) add to the incapability of the listener's full enjoyment. I've heard much worse, however, but considering that the recording technique is no older than 25 years, this is on the verge of being unacceptable. Sure - there can be a certain charm in hearing such "humanity" on a recording, especially when it's older, but I don't think many would disagree that this is a bit too much. Hearing the opening of piano/orchestra concerto no.2, and knowing that the 18+ hours of music to come aren't going to be interrupted by coughs, is a big relief. My favorite Chopin interpreter is--and might always be--Rubinstein; his playing is straight forward, he cuts to the chase quickly, yet somehow manages to leave room for sensitivity and emotion. His performances, of course--since he never recorded a note for Deutsche Grammophon,--are not included in this "complete edition," so aside from suggestions that certain waltzes are missing, that is something that makes this boxed set incomplete for me. Pollini's general interpretation of Chopin is in my opinion, as in many others', quite weak in comparison to Argerich's, Zimerman's, or the passionate playing of Daniel Barenboim. Here Pollini performs Etudes, Scherzos, Sonatas and Polonaises. At times, during the Etudes of op. 10, I feel like I'm getting more Maurizio than I am getting Fryderyk, even though the performance (especially on no.3) may invite feelings of thriving despite the performer's occasional roaring in the left channel. The Scherzos feature some troublesome factors; first and foremost the sound (of this 1990 recording) isn't at all as good as one would expect. It's far worse than several older recordings of this set - at only six seconds into the first Scherzo (op.20) one can't avoid acknowledging obvious distortion - the recording has clearly been done with too much input level. Clips noises continue throughout the grainy and dull sound picture of these pieces. Second of all, the noises Pollini makes while playing can be quite off putting. At times he sounds like a boy with a voice just breaking experiencing climax of coition, and as we all know, Chopin had a prudish aversion to overt sexuality. One reason why Pollini's performance of the Scherzos being called "troublesome" might be harsh, is that musically he handles them ok, and I'd think that's what's essential, but Deutsche Grammophon has made the odd decision of including Pollini's recording of Sonata no. 2, op.35 (a.k.a. "Funeral March") from 1984 in this set, instead of Argerich's recording from 1975. First of all, Argerich's version has clearer sound (at least on the newly refurbished "The Originals" edition...but then again, that was released in 2002,) but second of all, and more importantly, her playing is far more straight forward during the first part of the Sonata (Grave,) whereas Pollini shows too much mercy both for strong dynamics and tempo throughout. Furthermore he's on the verge of playing parts of the March suggesting "lento," as if it read "rubato" (it's a MARCH!) His performance of Piano Sonata no.3 is also a bit lifeless, but the hour long disc of Polonaises recorded 1975 he handles surprisingly well (the occasional phlegmatic karaoke-roars may need a little time getting used to, though.) Several of these interpreters make some less musical noises while playing - Zimerman, for instance, breathes heavily through the nose after each and every completed phrase throughout all off his performances (although it can't be heard with orchestra.) When listening to his solo performances in head phones, the constant snuffling can distract and annoy quite a bit, but I know that I do the exact same thing when I play, myself, so perhaps I shouldn't complain until I've managed to rid the inconvenient problem myself. Besides Pollini's Polonaise interpretations, there's another (76 minute long) disc of Polonaises featuring mainly Ugorski, but also Argerich. Something that seems odd to me is that the sound quality of Argerich's 1974 recording once again is superior to a newer recording - in this case to the 1999 recording of Ugorski, which doesn't feature much middle in the sound picture, but uneven soughing and clip noises! Both their performances (but especially Argerich's,) are about as enjoyable as Chopin interpretations can be, I'd think, as is the technically and musically perfect, touching and mesmerizing Nocturne interpretations of Daniel Barenboim, recorded in 1981 - his playing here equals close to two hours of pure magic. While being a Rubinstein fan, I'm going to have to say that Barenboim's way of playing the Nocturnes is just how I think they should be played; they call for this somewhat gentle touch mixed in with their brutal sincerity, but I suggest for those who (especially) enjoy the Etudes, Sonatas and Scherzos to listen to Rubinstein's recordings of the works (available on RCA's Rubinstein Collection, vol. 26, vol. 45 and vol. 46.) Pollini is, of course, a fine performer, but I'd suggest listening to his interpretations of Prokofiev's and Stravinsky's work instead.
Rubinstein recorded the preludes (op.28) in their entirety only once, in 1946, which means that they aren't available in RCA's collection with preferable sound quality, but on this set Martha Argerich delivers a great performance of the 26 preludes (no.1-24, op.28, plus 25, op.45, and 26, op. 35,) recorded in 1975. One prelude that in my opinion should always be played as slow and gentle as possible is no.15 (a.k.a. "The Raindrop Prelude.") What I'd like to describe as a prefect version of the piece is performed by--despite my having done a lot of research--a, to me unknown performer, but runs at 6:08 minutes. Argerich rushes the whole piece a bit (the drops fall too closely -) the fact that her version runs at 4:51 should say a lot. Of the approximately 20 different performances I've heard of this particular prelude (obviously one of my favorites,) Argerich's is the shortest, and lays somewhere in the swamp among other "medium integral" versions. She delivers exciting performances of the other preludes, though - the first time I heard them, I hit repeat on my CD player, and listened to nothing else for three days.
The Mazurkas, here performed by Jean-Marc Luisada and Lilya Zilberstein, are performed--while beautifully--quite carefully and loosely. For those who'd like a more restrained performance of the pieces, RCA's Rubinstein Collection, vol. 50, is recommended.
Besides all the music for only piano(s,) Chopin also composed 80 minutes worth of chamber music, which here is performed by Beaux Arts Trio, et al. He also wrote 45+ minutes worth of songs, which here is performed by soprano Elzbieta Szmytka and pianist Malcolm Martineau on a 1999 performance. I don't feel qualified to comment on solo singing in Polish, but while I don't care for the occasional close-to-full effect vibrato, I like Martineau's piano playing and the almost folksy melodies and arrangements. This music distinguishes itself by far from the rest of the music in the set. Translations to several languages of the lyrics to the 19 songs are included.
The stereophony on all recordings is great, the overall sound quality on all discs (when considering the years of the recordings) I'd give a 4/5, but still rate the whole package 9/10 - I'd think that some (both older and newer) recordings could have been transferred better, while some sound superior to what you'd dare dream of. This is definitely the best complete edition of Chopin's music available, and perhaps the best collection of works available on disc by any classical composer. A lot of work has been put into the set's design, the sound, and certainly the amount and accuracy of interesting info given in the enclosed illustrated 140 page hard-cover book (of which a fifth is written in English) and in the 40-60 page booklets (also illustrated) included in each volume; practically everything you'll ever need to know about the composer (and these recordings) is included here along with all the music he wrote. Well worthy of your time and money.

Enlightening but slighly blemished.......2004-07-05

I commend DG on producing this comprehensive and thoughtfully packaged/annotated collection of Chopin's output. In it one can appreciate the wondrous manner in which Chopin at once appeased the conservative appetites of the Paris salon set while revolutionizing the genre of piano music in both traditional and more intimate forms.

The greatest virtue of this collection is the opportunity to hear more obscure elements of Chopin's collected ouevre. He wrote some lovely chamber music and wrote highly effective variations with and without orchestra. Among his 17 songs are a few gems.

As for the strength of the performances, some of them are rightly considered definitive. I love Zimerman in the piano concerti, Argerich owns the Op. 28 preludes, and I find in Pollini's scherzos the unbridled energy and interpretive depth required by these challenging pieces. Even if Daniel Barenboim's nocturnes do not set any records, they are well-done and completely satisfying.

I was less enthusiastic about Pollini's readings of the latter 2 piano sonatas, which I find prosaic on the whole. I was equally underwhelmed by Bunin's impromptus, which again betray interpretive rather than technical deficiencies. My greatest disappointment is Jean-Marc Luisada's controversial readings of the mazurkas. An unwieldy rubato rules the day here, and distorts the harmonic language to the point that it sounds like Debussy or Ravel's frequent (and unshakeably French-sounding) evocations of Spain. I much prefer any of the Rubinstein mazurka sets, which are colorful but rhythmically mindful of their namesakes.

Properly supplemented in the more familiar repertory (mazurkas, impromptus, sonatas, in particular), I believe this set is indispensable to anyone who appreciates or seeks a broader understanding of Chopin the composer. I recommend it highly.

Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc.......2002-04-14

I am a professional Pianist and Piano-pedagoge trained at the University of Graz and Vienna (Austria).
It seems as often reviewers/critics/listeners have the same opinions: I wonder if it isn't in some cases the old story of the Emperors new clothes - nobody dares to have a different opinion, as they do not want to appear stupid.
Some of the reviewers here, didn't like Luisadas performances of the Mazurkas. I hold the heretical opinion that Jean-Marc Luisadas performances are much better than Rubinsteins (I possess the three different complete Mazurka recordings of Rubinstein). There are few pianists that like Luisada know how to treat the piano as a truly polyphonic instrument, with absolute control of every line, and at the same time being able to emphasise every harmonic detail - giving every chord its differing and appropriate degree of tension. Furthermore he understands how to display the different moods and characters of the music. All these factors make Luisadas performances extremely colourful. Every Mazurka with Luisada is a unique experience.

Ps. Other recordings do occasionally wet the critical appetite: For instance the everywhere highly acclaimed Chopin recordings with Pollini are often musically awful, the Etudes opus 10 nr. 1 and opus 25 nr. 1 are examples. For the complete Etudes, buy Boris Berezovsky's recording for Teldec, it surpasses Pollini by far. Ds.

Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc.......2002-04-14

Learn, learn, learn!.......2000-10-16

This box set is a must for any lover of piano music.

DG deserves praise for coming with an excellent set of records as well as presentation of the booklets. It is breathtaking to have the opportunity to really know Chopin so well.

Performers are first rate and speak for themselves, and for the price of 8 CD's you get the whole collection. Yes, you can get in some cases better performances, but overall you can find a better compilation. Naxos has its own, and I am going to exchange it with a friend, problem will be to get mine back!

Buy it without hesitation.

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