Search - Frederic Chopin, Artur Rubinstein :: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 46

Chopin of the First Rank from Rubinstein

Hank Drake | Cleveland, OH United States | 05/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Volume 46 of RCA's complete Arthur Rubinstein Collection features the pianist in recordings from 1961-62, performing works by Chopin which were staples of his public repertoire. Rubinstein never recorded Chopin's First Sonata, which was written when the composer was still a teenager. That piece is largely, and justifiably, forgotten. Chopin's Second Sonata, with its famous Funeral March, figured prominently in his repertoire. He first recorded the work in 1946 (Volume 16), a harsh sounding, overdriven performance. The present version dates from 1961 and shows the pianist near his autumnal prime. Rubinstein wisely avoids the first movement repeat, and his tempos are well chosen. This is, on the whole, a rather more mellow reading of this work than one is accustomed to hearing, with a restrained Funeral March. Other fine recordings of this work include Rubinstein's "live" version from Moscow in 1964 (Volume 62, which has a slightly touched-up Scherzo); Horowitz' 1962 recording on Sony; and the mightiest Chopin Sonata of them all, Rachmaninoff's 1935 RCA recording. Chopin's Third Sonata figured somewhat less prominently in Rubinstein's repertoire, and this is his only recording of the work. Many of the same attributes from the companion Second Sonata are here also: natural sense of phrasing and tempos, understanding of structural relationships, solid technique, and Rubinstein's inimitable gorgeous tone. The pianist avoids the trap of playing the outer movements too quickly, which would underpin their dramatic effect. Collectors of fine Chopin playing on CD would do well to obtain this version, in addition to Kapell's outstanding mono version on RCA.The Barcarolle, Fantasie, and Berceuse are fine makeweights to a fulfilling Chopin recital.RCA has done an excellent job of remastering Max Wilcox's fine sounding original tapes. Rubinstein's golden sonority is evident in all its splendor, with an even greater dynamic impact than in the earlier CD versions."

One of Rubinstein's greatest Chopin recordings

M. Levitt - classical music buff | Philadelphia, PA | 04/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, Volume 46, contains Chopin's 2nd and 3rd Piano Sonatas, plus the Fantasy, Op. 49, Barcarolle, Op. 60, and Berceuse, Op. 57.



The performances of the Sonatas are gorgeous, wonderfully poetic. The versions of the Fantasy and Barcarolle are no less fine. This is a must CD for lovers of Chopin, great piano playing and Rubinstein.



Good recorded sound.



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