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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
70 of 70 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sentiment, Yes. Sentimentality, No!,
By
This review is from: Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49) (Audio CD)
Arthur Rubinstein's pianism was as noteworthy for what it lacked as for what it featured. One of the many factors (aside from the obvious technical and tonal ones) which made Rubinstein's Chopin so compelling was his refusal to cross the line separating sentiment (epathy) and sentimentality (schmaltz).
The performances in this, Rubintein's third -- and final -- traversal of Chopin's Nocturnes are remarkably straightforward and direct. Each of the performances starts out simply, with natural phrasing and tactful, unobtrusive use of rubato. The structure of each piece is clear, and Rubinstein resists the temptation to linger over this-or-that phrase for "added emotional effect." Far from draining the emotional impact of these miniature masterworks, Rubinstein's performances actually heighten the impact of each piece, especially those in minor keys. Perhaps the greatest tribute to Rubinstein's treatment of these pieces is that even the most well known Nocturnes emerge as totally fresh works. The pianist, by the 1960s considered the "elder statesman" of Chopin, gives faithful renditions of these works, and this is the set I would recommend to someone hearing the Nocturnes for the first time. Yet it must also be stated that while Rubinstein's approach makes this an excellent reference set, I would not want to be without the more imaginative Nocturnes he recorded in the 1930s, which I frankly turn to more often for enjoyment. Another issue is that Rubinstein, whose hearing was failing by the 1960s, almost never plays a true pianissimo. RCA's excellent remastering of the mid-1960s stereo tape gives an accurate idea of the gorgeous sound Rubinstein could get from a piano.
49 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Going home,
By GEORGE RANNIE "GWRJWMCL" (DENVER, COLORADO United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49) (Audio CD)
I owned this recording of the Nocturnes on vinyl many years ago and have just got around to purchasing it on CD. I presently own many, many wonderful recordings of Chopin's Nocturnes. However, listening to the Rubinstein's recording again, after so many years, was like going home (in the best sense of the phrase). I love the Nocturnes; they are my favorite works of Chopin. All I can say is that Rubinstein's recordings are, indeed, the best! I love all my recordings of the Nocturnes; but the Artur Rubinstein's recording, of them, sooth my soul and emotionally move me down to the very marrow of my bones. The recording, honestly, moves me to tears. If you love Chopin and love his Nocturnes, as I do, buy this recording; there is none better!
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must-have for your classical music collection,
By A Customer
This review is from: Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49) (Audio CD)
This is a lovely recording by Rubenstein, played with great sensitivity and emotion, while never overindulging in the sentimental. Of course, I am biased. I am huge Chopin fan, and nobody has ever played it better than Rubinstein. I daresay few would disagree with me on that point. I like to listen to this CD at work - it has an instantly calming and uplifting effect - makes you forget the mundane - instead you are reminded of the sublime. Some say Bach was closest to God, I tend to disagree - This is must-have for any classical music lover's collection. I am so inspired I am going to learn a few of these pieces myself.
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