Very good at a bargain price
Rob Watkins | Augusta, Georgia United States | 11/22/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"daniel barenboim is not as well known a chopin interpreter as, say, Arthur Rubinstein, but as this CD reveals, he knows his way around this epitome of romantic piano. the sonata no. 2 "funeral march" is one of the most familiar pieces of music played, especially the third movement, the march. mr. barenboim avoids the cliches that come with tackling a war horse and breathes wonderful warmth and fluidity into the music. the first movement is taken quickly but nicely. the second movement builds with stunning regal tones. the final movement is kept from becoming maudlin, but proceeds with somber elegance. the third sonata is handled quite admirably. the CD closes with two short pieces, making an apt conclusion to a nice recital of some chopin's finest works. great buy!"