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Arrau was known for his Chopin, however there's Cortot, Rubenstein, Pollini, and Moravec

Posted by Bambi B (A) on January 29, 2007 at 03:39:07

In Reply to: How is Arrau in the Chopin Preludes? posted by edta on January 28, 2007 at 14:10:26:

edta,

Claudio Arrau was actually known for his Chopin, but I've never really been taken by his playing. Though he does well on the bigger pieces like the Scherzos and Polonaisses, the more lyrical pieces like the Preludes and Nocturnes don't have the refinement of phrasing and expression of others.

Arrau is certainly worth hearing, but I keep returning to Rubenstein for the Preludes and overall, Cortot, Rubenstein, Pollini, and Moravec are the more satisfying Chopin players for me.

Cortot, who studied with a student of Chopin himself and whose great recordings go back to 1920's and 30's may not please from the recording standpoint, but the playing is just amazing- instinctive and expressive. Cortot almost literally "wrote the book" on how to play Chopin and may have understood the musicality of Chopin better than anyone on intellectual and performing level.

If I had to select only one performer for all Chopin - not that there's a reason to do that, it would probably be Rubenstein. For some reason, I think of the Nocturnes as the quintessential Chopin- my "contest" pieces, and ol' Artur seems to get the best overall balance of drive, perfect phrasing, and just fantastic, subtle musicality. Rubenstein's Preludes are just about perfect in my book, more restrained than Cortot.

Pollini is a wonderful Chopin player as well, in fact his burst onto the world stage was winning the Warsaw Chopin Competition in the early 60's and I think he's underrated. His Nocturnes produce that "ah, yes" - just right- quality.

It's a pity Moravec hasn't recorded more as he may be among the most exciting Chopin pianists living- really memorable. He gets under the flash and show-off skin of Chopin and really brings depth and complexity- re: the Funeral March Sonata and the Fmin Fantasie which Moravec makes cohesive and exciting like no one else.

It's difficult to ignore Horowitz as well, who I see as the Maria Callas of the piano- an acquired taste- his Chopin seems wrong and so over the top as to be a bit wild, but on repeat hearing becomes rivetting listening- you start to wait for the whole thing to blow up!

Cheers,

Bambi B

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