Showing posts with label Rubinstein. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rubinstein. Show all posts

Sunday, January 27, 2008

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. 207Grande valse brillante
Waltz for piano Ab Op. 34 No.1, CT. 208Valse brillante
Waltz for piano Am Op. 34 No.2, CT. 209Valse brillante
Waltz for piano F Op. 34 No.3, CT. 210Valse 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. 212Minute
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. 215L'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. 46Fantaisie Impromptu

Thursday, January 17, 2008

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 pianoNo.1-16 Wilhelm Backhaus 1936
Chopin: 24 Préludes op.28, 1-24 Arthur Rubinstein 1946