Chopin: Waltzes, Impromputs

This RCA Red Seal CD boasts Arthur Rubinstein's interpretation of Chopin. I would have to admit that it is until these recordings that I have a new feeling regarding Chopin. Before, I enjoyed the virtuous line as a chain of fioriture, but with Rubinstein, it seems to recover a sense that brings Chopin to the front, and not just the piano. I would have to fully agree with the description given by Harvey Sachs (as per the booklet): "extraordinary pose and tonal beauty".

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Waltz for piano	E flat major	Op. 18, CT. 207		Grande valse brillante
Waltz for piano	Ab	Op. 34 No.1, CT. 208		Valse brillante
Waltz for piano	Am	Op. 34 No.2, CT. 209		Valse brillante
Waltz for piano	F	Op. 34 No.3, CT. 210		Valse brillante
Waltz for piano	A flat major	KK IVa/13, CT. 221 (B. 21)		Two-four
Waltz for piano	Db	Op. 64 No.1, CT. 212		Minute
Waltz for piano	C#	Op. 64 No.2, CT. 213
Waltz for piano	Ab	Op. 64 No.3, CT. 214
Waltz for piano	Ab	Op. 69 No.1, CT. 215		L'Adieu
Waltz for piano	Bb	Op. 69 No.2, CT. 216
Waltz for piano	Gb	Op. 70 No.1, CT. 217
Waltz for piano	Fm	Op. 70 No.2, CT. 218
Waltz for piano	Db	Op. 70 No.3, CT. 219
Waltz for piano	E minor	KK IVa/15 CT. 222 (B. 56) op. posth.		opus posthumum
Impromptu for piano	A flat major	Op. 29, CT. 43
Impromptu for piano	F sharp major	Op. 36, CT. 44
Impromptu for piano	G flat major	Op. 51, CT. 45
Fantasy-Impromptu for piano	C sharp minor	Op. 66, CT. 46		Fantaisie Impromptu

Cecilia Bartoli: Opera Proibita

This CD is outstanding. Cecilia Bartoli does not stop surprising from track to track. The technique, the expression, the range, the instrumental interpretation. The ordering of the tracks, which interrupted and mixed the oeuvres, worked to a very nice rhythm.
Bartoli's diaphragm control technique along with her varied timbres make this CD a text-book for singers. What exquisite tenderness for Händel's Lascia la spina cogli la rosa.
Les Musiciens du Louvre and Marc Minkowski appear on this Decca CD. As a bonus, the booklet includes the lyrics to these arias.i

1. Scarlatti: All'arme si accesi guerrieri (Aria dell Pace)


2. Scarlatti: Mentre io godo (Aria della Speranza)


3. Händel: Un pensiero nemico di pace


4. Caldara: Vanne pentita a piangere


5. Caldara: Sparga il senso lascivo veleno


6. Scarlatti: Caldo Sangue


7. Händel: Come nembo che fugge col vento


8. Scarlatti: Ecco negl'orti tuoi...Che dolce simpatica


9. Scarlatti: Qui resta...L'alta Roma


10. Händel: Lascia la spina cogli la rosa


11. Scarlatti: Ahi qual cordoglio...Doppio affetto


12. Caldara: Si piangete pupille dolente


13. Caldara: Ahi quanto cieca...Come foco allo splendore


14. Händel: Disserratevi oh porte d'Averno


15. Händel: Notte funesta...Ferma l'ali

Mozart: Piano Concertos 2/9

How rich are Mozart piano concerti. The alternation of forte and piano, and solo and orchestral passages. Interesting march tempo theme in No.26.
Brilliant Vol. 2 CD 9.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Piano Concerto No.18	Bb	KV 456
Piano Concerto No.26	D	KV 537		Coronation Concerto

Beethoven: Symphonies No.1 & 3

Brilliant finally got out their Complete Beethoven collection. This box has 85 CDs, although I have the 100 CD box with 15 historical recordings.
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Kurt Masur, 1974 recording.
(Interesting slavic theme which I had not noticed before)

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Symphony No.1	C	Op.21
Symphony No.3	Eb	Op.55		Eroica

Backhaus/Rubinstein: My Favourite Piano

This Centurion CD is to listen to Wilhelm Backhaus interpreting Brahms, and to listen to Rubinstein's interpretation of Chopin. If you rather expect a bright sounding version of these works, you should look for a more recent recording, as Backhaus' sound is quite dull. The Recordings are from 1936 and 1946.
Beautiful and unique interpretations each.
Brahms' walzes are quite lively and folk, which was a surprise to me, as I had associated with him a more severe mood.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Brahms: 16 Walzer for solo piano		No.1-16	Wilhelm Backhaus	1936
Chopin: 24 Préludes		op.28, 1-24	Arthur Rubinstein	1946

Mozart: Symphonies 1-11

Beautiful, lively, crisp,... sincere. Even though it is such a well-known pair of works, this version, in Brilliant's Vol.1 CD 11, still manages to surprise the listener.
Jaap Ter Linden conducts the Mozart Akademie Amsterdam.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Symphony No.40	Gm	KV 550
Symphony No.41	C	KV 551		Jupiter