A Chopin Collection - Lilian Kallir Plays Chopin Piano Works [Single]

Lilian Kallir (Artist, Conductor, Performer), Frederic Chopin (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Lilian Kallir
• Conductor: Lilian Kallir
• Composer: Frederic Chopin
• Audio CD (November 30, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Single
• Label: Helicon Records
• ASIN: B000035X6O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #529,643 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PURE PLEASURE!!, August 17, 2000

By 

"mlleelle" (San Francisco. California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Chopin Collection - Lilian Kallir Plays Chopin Piano Works (Audio CD)

Among the eighty or so Chopin recordings in my possession, this one holds a special place. Kallir (noted as one of the world's greatest musicians) doesn't offer glib pyrotechnics, but something much less common: Breathtakingly beautiful phrasing, passion, great presence and, especially rare, a dancer's sense of rhythm and physicality. This CD carries an earthy, unprocessed sound-- close to that of a live concert in one's parlor.

Everyone with ears absolutely must hear the two Nocturnes (op 27). Listen to her rubato. I cannot even imagine these pieces more beautifully played. Her emotional rhythm, her temperature, is spot-on, compelling, actually unforgettable. The opening of the Gminor Ballade is absolutely right, and pianists hardly ever get this right. From that moment you're lost in it: She's telling a story and it is riveting.

Considering all the novelty-seeking pianists who rely on distortion to make their own "personal statement," it is a joy to hear playing that goes, simply, straight to the heart, with no filters or safety nets; like falling in love for the first time.

Highest Recommendation.