Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1; Piano Concerto No. 2; Nocturne No. 1; Nocturne No. 2; Nocturne No. 3; Nocturne No. 4; Nocturne No. 5; Nocturne No. 6; Nocturne No. 7; Nocturne No. 8; Nocturne No. 9; Nocturne No. 10; Nocturne No. 11; Nocturne No. 12; Nocturne

Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1; Piano Concerto No. 2; Nocturne No. 1; Nocturne No. 2; Nocturne No. 3; Nocturne No. 4; Nocturne No. 5; Nocturne No. 6; Nocturne No. 7; Nocturne No. 8; Nocturne No. 9; Nocturne No. 10; Nocturne No. 11; Nocturne No. 12; Nocturne

These marvellous recordings, made shortly after Rubinstein emerged from his temporary retreat from the concert platform, fully justify his reputation as the supreme Chopin interpreter. What is so striking about these perform- ances is their combination of discipline and spontaneity. Even after one hearing, certain details linger in the mind; a fleeting touch of rubato here, a telling change of colour there, with a compelling sense of overall shape. And everywhere that famous singing tone, clearly discernible through the crackle of the Thirties’ recordings. Ivan Hewett

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5

Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm

COMPOSERS: Chopin
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Piano Concerto No. 1; Piano Concerto No. 2; Nocturne No. 1; Nocturne No. 2; Nocturne No. 3; Nocturne No. 4; Nocturne No. 5; Nocturne No. 6; Nocturne No. 7; Nocturne No. 8; Nocturne No. 9; Nocturne No. 10; Nocturne No. 11; Nocturne No. 12; Nocturne No. 13;
PERFORMER: Arthur Rubinstein (pno); LSO/John Barbirolli
CATALOGUE NO: RŽfŽrences CHS 7 64491 2

These marvellous recordings, made shortly after Rubinstein emerged from his temporary retreat from the concert platform, fully justify his reputation as the supreme Chopin interpreter. What is so striking about these perform- ances is their combination of discipline and spontaneity. Even after one hearing, certain details linger in the mind; a fleeting touch of rubato here, a telling change of colour there, with a compelling sense of overall shape. And everywhere that famous singing tone, clearly discernible through the crackle of the Thirties’ recordings. Ivan Hewett

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