Customer Reviews

Chopin: Waltzes; 4 Scherzos; 26 Preludes

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

 

 

As with most of Ashkenazy's recordings, the BEAUTY of the music is very evident, with showmanship left on the back burner. Of course, this is very desirable but sometimes a little more bravura might be desired in some pieces. For instance: take the preludes recorded here: they do not match up to the benchmark Martha Argerich recording for Deutsche Grammophone. This is not to say that Ashkenazy's playing is poor, not at all, but it is less spirited and not as imaginative as Argerich's. However, as if to vindicate my faith in Ashkenazy's ability, the Waltzes supplied here are flawless examples of this great pianist at his best: I was first introduced to the Waltzes through the Naxos pianist Idil Biret, and since hearing Ashkenazy perform them have never gone back to that Naxos CD at all. The scherzos are truly brilliant, though I prefer the earlier recording recently released on the Decca: Legends label - they seem to be fresher and somehow more in tune to the spirit of Chopin. However, I cannot criticise this performance too much: it is a superb CD - a welcome treasure for any Ashkenazy/Chopin fan.

When I was in High School (in the 60's) I loved and played Chopin waltzes, and went on to be a music major in college. My hands are long past being able to play, but these two albums take me back to such a happy time. You will not be disappointed in this purchase. Mr. Ashkenazy is a real artist, you can feel his passion in his interpretation of Chopin. Chopin, in my opinion, was the best. His music makes you smile, and makes you cry all at the same time, it is so beautiful.

As usual, Ashkenazy's performance of Chopin is extremely good. His interpretation and technique are unmatched by any other pianist.