Poetic historical recordings
bujoldfan | USA | 02/22/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The record company is coy about the dates of these recordings, but they come from various Chopin competitions and are live recordings. There is a good deal of variation in the sound, from mid 1980 digital to what are undoubtedly 78 rpm discs from the mid 1930s. If you look for note perfect performances, you won't find them here. But they are lively, spirited, and convey more music and emotion than many a perfectionist can.
Jan Ekier was apparently recorded at the 1937 competition. Adam Harasiewicz, Martha Argerich, and Dang Thai Son were recorded in 1955, 1965, and 1980 respectively. Yuval Fishman, Kemal Gekic, and Jean-Marc Luisada all performed in 1985.
Louis Kentner was recorded in the 78 era, but I can not tell from the liner notes when.
Anyway, I just close my eyes and get carried away by the music."