Aristocratic & Autumnal Polonaises from Rubinstein
Hank Drake | Cleveland, OH United States | 07/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD features Arthur Rubinstein in his final authorized recordings of works he was born to play. Chopin's Polonaises were based upon the aristocratic dance of his beloved Poland--although Chopin's versions are not, in the strictest sense, meant to be danced to.
Rubinstein made three complete sets of Polonaises. The first version, (Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 4) recorded on 78RPM discs in the 1930s, is indescribable in its elan and brio, but occasionally veers out of control. The second set (Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 28) --in my opinion the best of the three--was recorded in the 1950s and demonstrated Rubinstein to be in far better control, both musically and technically, with most of the vigor of the earlier version. This third version, recorded in Carnegie Hall in 1964, is a more autumnal and aristocratic approach to the music. Rubinstein can certainly turn up the heat when he so desires, but on the whole these performances are far more mellow than in the earlier recordings. In concert, he would become fired-up by the audience's presence, and his playing live more closely resembled the earlier recordings. To hear what Rubinstein was like during "battle-conditions," check out Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 62: Recital in Moscow which includes two of Chopin's Polonaises.
By the way, Rubinstein does not play any of the lesser known, juvenile Polonaises here - and apparently never played them in concert. The 1964 stereo recording sounded pretty good in its day, and sounds even better now. Rubinstein's famous tone is recreated faithfully, with even more dynamic impact than on the earlier issues. The original LP cover art is duplicated, but as the pianist wishes, his name is now listed as "Arthur" instead of "Artur"."
