Search - Frederic Chopin, Artur Rubinstein :: Chopin: Waltzes; Impromptus

Definitive Chopin from Rubinstein

Hank Drake | Cleveland, OH United States | 06/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This stereo version of the Waltzes was recorded over the course of a single night in 1963, at RCA's Italiana Studios in Rome. For those accustomed to thinking of Arthur Rubinstein as a "Romantic" pianist, this edition of the Chopin Waltzes will come as a surprise. The pianist plays the Waltzes straight, with very little rubato and at moderate tempos. This is in marked contrast to his 1953 mono set, which was freer in tempo and phrasing. Which way is the "right" way? Comparing both recordings demonstrates that there are many equally valid ways to interpret this music. Rubinstein recorded the Impromptus several times over the course of his long career--this is his only complete version in stereo. He plays the posthumously published Fantasie-Impromptu (which Chopin, ironically, wanted destroyed after his death) from a previously unknown manuscript, which differs in numerous details from more well known versions.The sound is immediate without sacrificing warmth, but a bit brighter than in a previous issue, which also included Chopin's Bolero. Highly recommended."

Spectacular playing!

Mete Ibanoglu | Ankara, Turkey | 07/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a Rubinstein expert yet, since I'm just beginning to get seriously introduced to his music, apart from having listened to his playing from friends or YouTube. This is actually my second Rubinstein CD, the first being a Polonaises CD.



I have first listened to these works from Idil Biret, whose complete Chopin set I own, issued from Naxos. (Another great jewel) Then I listened to some of these from others but Biret's recording always remained the yardstick with which I compared later interpretations. Then I came across this CD and bought it. From the very first piece (op. 18) I was blown away. Very warm sounding compared to some from the Biret's versions, it is very apparent that Rubinstein felt at home when playing Chopin.



There's actually no more to say, the work speaks for itself. Recommended at all costs!"

Didn't care for Amazon's track listings

Wyote | Seoul | 02/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music, of course, is great. This is a reissue of The Rubinstein Collection Vol 47 - Chopin: Waltzes, Impromptus, Bolero, recorded in 1963.



The difference between the two? In the opinion of one reviewer (Jed Distler, not me--and you'd better listen to him rather than me anyway) this CD shows the recording up a little more brightly. Well, the other has him playing Chopin's Bolero. (Ravel wrote a more famous piece of music with that title for the orchestra, but this is a piano piece by Chopin.) You will have to decide, because I haven't heard the other one....



I am really here because Amazon did not do a good job with the track listing, so, just in case it matters to anyone else:



Waltzes

1. Op. 18, Grande valse brillante in E-flat

2. Op. 34.1, Valse brillante in A-flat

3. Op. 34.2, Valse brillante in A minor

4. Op. 34.3, Valse brillante in F

5. Op. 42, Two-four, in A-flat

6. Op. 64.1, Minute, in D-flat

7. Op. 64.2 in C-sharp minor

8. Op. 64.3 in A-flat

9. Op. 69.1 L'Adieu in A-flat

10. Op. 69.2 in B minor

11. Op. 70.1 in G-flat

12. Op. 70.2 in F minor

13. Op. 70.3 in D-flat

14. Op.posth. in E minor



Impromptus

15. Op. 29 in A-flat

16. Op. 36 in F-sharp

17. Op. 51 in G-flat

18. Op. 66, Fantasie-Impromptu, in C-sharp minor"