Customer Reviews

Chopin Valses (Waltzes)

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Alexandre Tharaud is an artist on the rise. His Rameau disc is one of the best recorded discoveries I have made in the last few years. I have slowly been acquiring more of his recordings as he is an artist of great integrity and imagination. This disc did not disappoint and Tharaud's ravishing playing is matched by wonderful recorded sound. Surely this is one of the best discs of the Chopin Waltzes to be seen in quite some time? One only wishes that DG would re-release Krystian Zimerman's wonderful accounts!

I purchased this CD hoping against hope to hear a fresh, delightful approach, but as usual with modern performers, that was not what I heard. Instead we have 'serious' Chopin playing. Yes, there is still a fair amount of charm, and well-judged rubato: monsieur Tharaud has not only listened to Lipatti but also Hofmann. And that is all to the good. This is most assuredly wonderful playing. Yet, despite many performance issues I have to admit a nagging inclination for Paderewski in this sort of repetoire. Chopin's waltzes are mercurial as much as anything - when a performer becomes too polished in dotting all the i's and crossing all the t's some of the sense of freedom so innately at the core of these works is lost - that whistful sense of play and caprice cannot help but be diminished when you begin to hear more of the architecture and too little of the finery. If one must err in the waltzes I suppose I prefer a lighter touch. Tharaud is frequently too careful and studious.
Having said this, I must make clear I am NOT making a case for wholesale self-indulgence - this is not a plea for Kissin!
So, redoubtable and considered music-making, but I'll continue to prefer 'lesser' performances when I wish to enjoy the Chopin waltzes. And, to judge from the large number of used versions for such a relatively recent release, perhaps I am not alone in this opinion.
If you are still curious how a Frenchman plays Chopin EMI has just reissued Samson Francois performing the 14 Chopin waltzes. This set I would suggest as an alternative - Francois is far more inclined to play with the music, and is unquestionably more poetic.

I have been listening to quite a few recordings of the waltzes of late since I dismissed them as being somewhat lightweight years ago when working with my first piano professor. Many years later, I have returned to these works and purchased many recordings such as Pires on Erato, Fliter on EMI, and Ott on DG. Of these recordings, I have enjoyed Tharaud's the most because of his incredible tone which is rounded and full without being bombastic. Most important are his interpretations which evoke all the nostalgia of Chopin's Paris. This is most compelling set and deserves the accolades that many reviewers here on Amazon as well as those in various magazines such as BBC Music have given it.

Chopin's achievement in the Waltzes is comparable to Bach's in his treatment of the various dance forms. He lavishes melodic and harmonic refinement on almost every single one of the countless eight-or sixteen-bar phrases and Tharaud fully avails himself of this invitation. Once again he comes to the forefront with playing that is closely associated with pianist Vlado Perlemuter, one of his chief mentors. Tharaud's approach to the waltzes conjures a rare style of brilliance and effortless musical grace, and pianistic command. His innate understanding of the inner character of the waltzes allows him to personalize each one in a most compelling way. All the imaginative freedom to concentrate fully on the heart of the music enables Tharaud to respond to mood swings with assurance and superior virtuosity. Elsewhere, his poetic "lift," highlights a light resilient touch with a crisp free approach to rhythm, nimble passage work, and heart-warming, refined fluency and affection. Throughout each performance Tharaud's meticulous use of rubato, or musical breathing, is so absolutely natural that it is perhaps the most remarkable accomplishment of the entire recording! Alexandre Tharaud is an inspiring young pianist who is fully at home in Chopin's sound world, and plays with an ease and delicacy that suggests, once more, a wholly exceptional artist!
For those who are seriously studying the Chopin Waltzes, I personally feel that these performances provide formidable stylistic practices that are allied to thoughtful and finely detailed readings of Chopin's unedited markings.

Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus. Classical Music Critic

Good Night Lullabies CD

I have played all of the waltzes, have several recordings of them by various artists, and this is a standout. Some new interpretations and nuances. Lovely!

This just may be the best recording of Chopin I have ever heard.

Tharaud's interpretation is absolute perfection, affectionate and abiding, driven and resolute. His playing, along with the excellent engineering done on this CD, make this recording a must have. This recording sets a new standard for comparison.

The Chopin waltzes are always a treat. These, played by Alexandre Tharaud are espcially beautiful and emotive.

Having listened to many versions of Chopin's Waltzes, and played some myself, I have noticed that most world class pianists give into a desire to express virtuosity in the form of speed like they are trying to cram all of the music in the world into one CD. While technically correct and impressive, where is the emotional music, the soul. Tharauds version is just too fast and tiring. It is a dance, a waltz. It is much harder to play a piece in measured time. My instructor is always on me to slow down.