"There is not that much to add to the other reviewer's comments: these two discs are a bargain and unreservedly recommended. Ashkenazy is indeed one of the very best overall Chopin interpreters around. I immensely enjoyed his treatment of pieces such as the second scherzo and the g minor ballade. Not to mention the etudes, the preludes, etc. etc. Ashkenazy's playing is always crisp and clear, both passionate and insightful, and the fact that some recordings are analogue doesn't matter at all: in fact, you wouldn't really hear it if it weren't mentioned.
But keep something in mind: as I said, Ashkenazy is arguably overall one of the best. This implies that he can be bettered in some ways. Philips has also released a Best-of Chopin set, which contains better renditions of some Waltzes (Kocsis), the Barcarolle and Mazurkas (Kovacevich) and the impromptus (Davidovich). Additionally, the Philips discs give you the Marcia funebre, the Fantaisie-Polonaise and the fourth Ballade, three big pieces that cannot be found over here. Overall it is more balanced too. So if you are going to buy just one best-of-Chopin set, go for the Philips. The best choice, however, is to get both of them!"
Highly Recommended!!!
Todd Ebert | Long Beach California | 11/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In this recording we hear one of the great piano performers in Vladimir Ashkenazy playing pieces from one of the greatest piano composers in Fryderyk Chopin; with the utmost quality in recorded sound. And if one needs more convincing, you get two hours of music for the price of one cd. Hard to find a better buy in classical music. Moreover, this cd not only looks good on paper, but it also is one of my favorites to listen to. I usually listen to music to help enrich and exonerate an otherwise mundane (computer) task, and I find myself stopping work several times each listen because I'm overcome by the beauty of these pieces, and the both spirited and soulful playing of Ashkenazy. For anyone new to Chopin, I cannot think of a better starting point (no, this double cd does not cover all his great compositions!) than this recording."
Wonderful Chopin selection, briliantly performed
Todd Ebert | 03/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This title comes with two (2) CD's, and its selection is wonderful. It contains many well-known Chopin pieces, it is perfect for those who just started to listen to Chopin as well as his long-time fans. The performance by Ashkenazy is, needless to mention, always so precise, delicate yet so stable ... beautiful! I strongly recommend it!"
REST FOR THIS WEARY SOUL
GEORGE RANNIE | DENVER, COLORADO United States | 03/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On vinyl I owned Ashkenazy's complete recordings of Chopin's piano works. Prior to purchasing this CD of what I call "highlights from Vladimir's Chopin Recordings", I had not replaced them in this format. What a joy it is to hear Vladimir Ashkenazy play these works again. I'm reminded of how much I loved his playing of Chopin on vinyl looking forward to each "new release" with great anticipation. Being, what is referred to, as a "senior citizen" , Chopin's music means ever so much to me offering rest for this weary soul. Vladimir Ashkenazy's performances on these discs are first rate and ones I truly love. As a previous reviewer pointed out, this compellation is a bargain-great price, great music, great sound and great performances by a master of Chopin's music.
If you love Chopin, as I do, buy this recording it will sooth your soul as only great music can.
"
Nice, Affordable Intro to Chopin . . .
Johnny Bard | Orlando, FL | 02/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great and affordable introduction to Chopin's solo works for piano. This release features both ADD and DDD recordings, and all sound wonderful. London as usual has done a fantastic job remastering the older recordings (to the point where it's very difficult to differentiate ADD from DDD). The price is right, too. If you're new to Chopin, I can't think of a better place to start (although the Sony Classics line also offers some great recordings, albeit ADD, at equally affordable prices). Either way, you can't go wrong, so purchase from both lines if you can!"