Whether you are a musical scholar in search of artistic perfection, or an ordinary soul wanting to create a romantic mood, this complete collection of Chopin's nocturnes delivers. The nocturnes, which by definition are d... more »reamy, pensive compositions, are fully realized by Artur Rubinstein's indescribably delicious interpretation. He captures all the fantastic imagery with crisp, dynamic playing, never once entering the realm of bathos. A must-have for any classical collection worth its weight in G clefs. --Barbara Eisner Bayer« less
Whether you are a musical scholar in search of artistic perfection, or an ordinary soul wanting to create a romantic mood, this complete collection of Chopin's nocturnes delivers. The nocturnes, which by definition are dreamy, pensive compositions, are fully realized by Artur Rubinstein's indescribably delicious interpretation. He captures all the fantastic imagery with crisp, dynamic playing, never once entering the realm of bathos. A must-have for any classical collection worth its weight in G clefs. --Barbara Eisner Bayer
"I've heard chopin nocturnes played by barenboim, pollini, ashkenazy, arrau, serkin etc..This recording is simply the greatest ever. period. you don't have to know rubinstein to appreciate his artistry and poetry in playing this chopin masterpiece. you will enjoy rubinstein's mastery that made him world-famous. no one ever have or will play nocturnes better or with more feelings than the late maestro. rubinstein is the chopinist of our lifetime and left us legacy to be followed."
Superb performance!
Lee M. Mcguire | 12/04/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rubinstein's playing, as always, is wonderful, and the quality of the recording is excellent. I have been listening to Chopin's nocturnes for 50 years and I am delighted with this edition. I highly recommend it."
This is the Album that turned me onto Classical Piano
Lee M. Mcguire | Urbana, IL | 12/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My favorite piano album of all time. I moved a few years ago and lost all my CD's, and because of financial problems have only recently begun to repurchase many recordings. When I bought this again and listened to it after a few years away, I could have cried. It was like meeting an old love, and none of the thrill was gone. She was as beautiful as ever. Rubinstein's sense of rubato is perfect; affective and full of rhythm within rhythm, yet only consciously noticeable when you carefully examine the playing. Totally natural. Like Liszt said of Chopin's rubato, "See that tree? See how the leaves move yet the shape stays the same?" The tone is bold and sharp, proving that Chopin's music was not to be maudlinly caressed as the stereotype of a weak, tubercular genius has perpetuated. This is music to lay in the dark with, not to fall asleep to, but to ride the night blanket away in."
Definitive recording of these signature Chopin pieces
Lee M. Mcguire | 11/06/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Consistency and sanity are the key words here. Although Rubinstein might not capture the bewitching lyricism of Ignaz Friedman (as in op.55 No.2) or the heartfelt tenderness of Ivan Moravec (listen to his op.9 no.2), Rubinstein's authority in these signature pieces by his fellow country man is undeniable. Op.27 no.2 and the two Op. 48 nocturnes showcase Rubinstein's wonderful warmth, keen sense of drama, and delicate singing touch. Highly recommended."
Touching and untouchable
Lee M. Mcguire | 09/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The greatest Chopin recordings of the world's greatest Chopin player. Rubinstein is really untouchable here. His sense of nuance, color, rhythmic freedom and rhythmic precision, his absolute emotional rightness beggar description."