Search - Idil Biret, Frederic Chopin :: Chopin: Polonaises, Vol. 1

At last a complete set of Polanaises

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 09/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Believe it or not, I could not before now find available in any music shop a complete set of the Chopin . Lots of Etudes, Nocturnes, mixed bags by this and that pianist...but no polonaises. At last Naxos has made a two volume set available (8.550360 and 8.550361)with pianist Idil Biret. My touchstone has always been the "Military" polonaise, which here I find just a touch less spectacular than those of other artists who have committed these works to disc. On the other hand, who knows what Chopin would have thought? Did he expect the pyrotechnics that some put into this piece or did he himself take a gentler approach? So in the long run, this collection will be a constant favorite with me because (1) it is here and (2) it is complete. But those of you who play Chopin yourselves will have, of course, your own opinions. Note: These two CDs are part of an upcoming boxed set of Chopin complete that should be available in October of 1999. At the Naxos price, something to consider for oneself and as a great gift."