If you don't already have these recordings of the great Polish pianist and statesman
Ignace Jan Paderewski, by all means get them on this Urania set. Programmed in approximately reverse chronological order from the harrowing days of December 1930 back to the halcyon days of July 1911, these recordings trace
Paderewski's long-term engagement with
Schumann,
Schubert,
Liszt,
Debussy, and above all
Chopin, plus his short-term flirtations with
Couperin,
Brahms,
Schelling, and
Stojowski, along with a couple of salon pieces he composed himself. Of course, if you don't already know any of
Paderewski's recordings, you might at first be taken aback by his reckless virtuosity, uninhibited expressivity, mercurial intensity, and free and easy way with tempos. But so overwhelmingly convincing is
Paderewski's conviction that it's impossible to remain unaffected by his performances. Detailed examination of all 59 performances is beyond the scope of this review, so listen just to
Paderewski's October 1930 recording of
Schelling's transcription of
Wagner's Prelude to Tristan und Isolde and if its lyrical phrasing, sweeping tempos, and unbridled passion don't work for you, perhaps you ought to pass. But if it does, by all means, take the plunge. Urania's masterings are gray and grainy at best and nearly unlistenable at worst, but don't let that stop you. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
