Customer Reviews

Chopin: Fantasy on Polish Airs; Four Impromptus; Three Mazurkas; Etc.

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

His interpretation of Chopin is one of the best in recent memories. The music is played with great clarity and poetry. There are certain passages where Mr. Nakamatsu interprets quite differently from other conventional performers. I have never heard of those tones inside Chopin's music before. Really mind openning. I really admire Nakamatsu's confidence.

Mr. Nakamatsu's Chopin interpretation is absolutely beautiful and poetic, and it does not suffer from the quirky eccentricities that some performers add into their interpretations- instead, it is fresh, clear, precise, dynamic, and captivating. A negative is that the recording suffers from some echoing reverbs. However, this is more than made up for by the amazing Steinway concert grand that Mr. Nakamatsu used for the recording: it has a brilliantly rich and sonorous tone that magically assists him in conveying the deep emotions and the lyrical richness of Chopin's music- indeed, this is one of the best pianos I have ever listened to.

I purchased this out of curiosity and was not expecting a great deal from it. However, it is brilliant! Nakamatsu captures Chopin's romance and passion with great sensitivity.

I like this CD very much for the performer Jon Nakamatsu's fine interpretation of the works of Chopin. You can feel the free spirit of a poet - Chopin, thanks to Nakamatsu's tremendous performance which is stylish, sensitive, delicate, yet powerful with incredible speed when demanded. His sound is also clisp and clear, which makes his Chopin sound even younger and modern, like a California breeze. No matter how many times I already listened to it, the music touches my heart every time I listen to it. I like it so much, I bought another one and gave it to my mother who also loves Chopin.

After listening to this CD several times, I have to admit I did not like it at first but I have grown to like it. I think you will appreciate the precision as well as the great playing on this. Pay special attention the Chopin Impromptu -- that's my favorite.

This album is wonderful!

Jon Nakamatss, a winner of the Van Cliburn Competition, is a master. His playing style is masterful, yet gentle, bold yet sweet. When he plays Fantasy on Polish Airs, it almost makes you cry. When he plays a Polonaise you want to swoon, a Mazurka, you want to dance. In no way, is he ever heavy handed. He makes you feel as if he is playing just for you, and he is!

Jon Nakamatsu has several albums,but this one, by far, is my favorite. My classically trained husband tells me that there is not one mistake, no hesitation, just pure and simple talent.

I would, and have recommended this album to anyone, whether you like classical music, or not. I would recommend any of Mr. Nakamatsu's albums. He is a very talented man!

This is heroic playing like we used to hear from the old masters like Rubenstein etc. I find this CD thrilling. I play this for friends who are not classical music fans and they love it also. I predict a great future for Jon Nakamatsu!

I think people will find a renewed appreciation for these Chopin standards, as interpreted and dynamically played by Jon Nakamatsu.

This CD is great from start to finish. Winner of the Chopin competition before his VanCliburn accolade, Nakamatsu shows off what he can do in this second recording. It is clear that this CD was put together with much care and quality. This CD is highly recommended for the seasonal classical music lover and those who are looking for a classical piano soloist CD to start off their collection.

Quite apart from the beautiful playing, this CD is worth purchasing just for the stunning solo piano version of the "Fantasy on Polish Airs" Opus 13 - which is exceedingly rarely performed. This performance incorporates the essentials of the orchestral part into the solo piano part, a practice that Chopin himself was known to do with his concerti. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only recording available of a solo version of the Opus 13 Fantasy.