Frederic Chopin Paul Kletzki Philharmonia Orchestra of London - Chopin Piano Concerto 1 Nocturnes (9 tracks) +Album Reviews

The Best Ever Performance of Chopin's 1st Concerto

Chaconnesque | Singapore, Singapore Singapore | 06/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This performance was given in 1960, early in Pollini's career, before his interpretation of works became increasingly 'cold'. Not here, where the playing was warm, and entirely appropriate. Never have I heard the rubato given with such spontaniety and yet with no sign of 'mannerisms' that often affect other pianists, even including Argerich or Zimerman. Contrary to what the previous reviewer said, the 2nd movement was exceedingly beautifully played and ethereal! And what a playful rondo! I have never heard a better performance."

Referance performance

M.Numan inal | Ankara Turkey | 06/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can briefly say , performance of Pollini in piano concerto no.1 (op.11) is fantastic. Best I have ever listen. Better than Zimerman (with Carlo Maria Gýulini/Los Angles Philh. Orch.) and Argerich (with C.Abbado/London Symph.Orch.) Strongly recommended."

Brilliant Performances of Chopin's music from Pollini

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 02/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maurizio Pollini's exhilirating performance of Chopin's 1st Piano Concerto was recorded when he was 18, soon after he won first prize in an international prize competition, the Warsaw Chopin Competition, which included legendary pianist Artur Rubinstein as among its jurors; Rubinstein remarked that Pollini was technically a better pianist than himself and his fellow jurors! Pollini's playing is replete with warmth and technical elegance, in stark contrast to his recent, "colder" Deutsche Grammophon recordings of works by Chopin and Brahms. The Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of Paul Kletzi gives a fine performance too, though there are instances, most notably the first movement, where its tempi tend to be a bit rushed. The Nocturnes, Ballade and Polonaise which close this recording were recorded eight years later, following a recital in Italy - and further study with Benedetti after winning the Chopin Competition - and still demonstrate Pollini's wam affinity for Chopin's music. My own personal favorites of these works are the 5th Nocturne and the Polonaise, but the others are well played too. Without question, both recordings helped cement Pollini's reputation as a keen, sympathetic interpreter of Chopin, and rank quite well against similar recordings from the likes of Rubinstein and Horowitz. The sound quality is quite good, due to EMI's state-of-the-art digital remastering. It's taken me almost a year to hear this CD, and am thriled that I am did, showing a wonderful side to Pollini's playing that I was unfamiliar with."

Impecable, but not enough

Alejandro Rothamel | Argentina | 02/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The PC N. 1 is one of my favourite pieces, so I have many performances I have already compared. In this case, Pollini is brilliant, I've never listened to such a clear and delicate performance. This does not mean, however, that the orchestra was at the same level. In my opinion, although the orchestra played sensitively, it was slightly out of tempi sometimes. If you like listening to diferent performances, I'd reccomend you the PC N.1 played by Argerich and Dutoit (It's a very recent performance).
Apart from that, the other tracks in this CD are absolutely exquisite."

Chopin's Opus 11 performed by the young Pollini

Timothy P. Koerner | Great Lakes, USA | 04/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This review is my celebration of two anniversaries. Composer Frederic Chopin was born 200 years ago, and this recording was made 50 years ago today.

Chopin's piano concerto in F minor op 11, while carrying the number 1, was actually his second piano concerto. In any case it has always been my favorite of the two. The first maovement (allegro maestoso risoluto) contains a lenghthy (four minutes here) orchestral introduction and is by far the longest of the movements. This is followed by a lovely larghetto romance, inspired apparently by Chopin's love for a singer. What a movement. The highlight of the concerto.

I think the bassoon counter melody (if that is what it is called) is one of the most wonderful moments for this instrument in all of classical music. The concerto concludes with a sprightly rondo.

The soloist, Maurizio Pollini, was at the beginning of what turned out to be a very distinguished career when he made this record on April 20, 1960 at the age of 18. He was the winner of that year's Warsaw Chopin competition and is accompanied here by the Philharmonia Orchestra directed by Paul Kletzki. I acquired the Seraphim LP version a few years after it came out and have alwys admired it; it's been my favorite recorded interpretation of the work. Notice I did not say the "best" version, for I don't believe it is possible or wise to say that. The other versions that I have especially enjoyed over the years are: both of Zimerman's two quite different recordings on DG; Perahia/Mehta on Sony; and Kern/Wit on Harmonia Mundi.

So we have a splendid performance by an 18 year old pianist of a concerto written by a 19 year old composer. Definitely one of EMI's "Great Recordings of the Century". The CD also includes four Chopin nocturnes, a ballade, and a polonaise. I highly recommend it.

Tim Koerner April 2010

"

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