The Rubinstein Collection Vol 47 - Chopin: Waltzes, Impromptus, Bolero

If you love the music of Frederic Chopin, listening to Artur Rubinstein must be a prerequisite to determining definitive recordings of Chopin. There was always an aristocratic excitement in each of Rubinstein's recordings, and you sensed that Rubinstein was playing for a few friends including you. That was the intimacy of Rubinstein's recordings, and I can't think of another pianist except for Freir or possibly Perez that could projects the same sense.Rubinstein breathed life into Chopin, and the Waltzes are certainly no exception. They were recorded by RCA in 1963. These are expressive, unmannered performances. No ridiculously fast or slow tempi. No quirky idiosyncrasies. Just sublime music making. Take for example the so-called Minute Waltz (Op. 64/1). He doesn't race against time. He just sets out to redefine sublime. His interpretations of the Waltzes have that "rightness" quality to them. Rubinstein didn't merely try to dazzle the listener, although his playing itself could be dazzling. Phrasing, dynamics, and tempo flexibility are all impeccable.Curiously, Rubinstein's recording of the Impromptus were made just seven months earlier, but they sound older with a slight tinny sound to the treble. The sound is an omen. These aren't bad or even mediocre performances, but they are not his best work. His Impromptus are simply less impressive than others such as Wild and Perez. With regard to Perez, her account of the four Impromptus is magical, and that is an adjective I rarely use to describe performances.Rubinstein's performances of the Chopin Waltzes are definitive. They are even finer than Lipatti's whose set I hold in very high regard. The Impromptus are less impressive but not disappointing. Even Rubinstein can't be expected to play everything better that everyone else, although in Chopin he came closer than anyone else. The piano sound isn't quite as bright as I would like, but it is still superb for its age. For the Waltzes alone, MY VERY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!!!

As a piano student during the 1950s and early 1960s, I remember that there were "knock down drag out" arguments between the "pro-Rubinstein" factions and the "anti-Rubinstein" factions of the classical piano performing world. I was made keenly aware of the aforesaid because my piano instructor was a "dye-hard" member of the "anti-Rubinstein" faction. Rebelliously, I purchased all of the Rubinstein recordings that I could get my little untalented hands on including this recording of Chopin's Waltzes. I remember loving them at the time as I still do now that I've restored this recording on CD to my collection.Rubinstein's performance in this recording really touches my very soul. Upon hearing this recording again, I'm reminded of how much I loved them almost 50 years ago. Whatever one may call his playing (eccentric, sentimental, syrupy, etc.) it certainly has retained its appeal to me--as a young person or now as an older person. (Note: Rubinstein particularly plays the "sad little" waltzes in minor keys exquisitely!)If you want to hear a master (at least to me) of Chopin playing some wonderful works, buy this disc.

Grandpa was a concert pianist from Barcelona, and I'm especially picky about interpretation of the great Romantic composers' piano works. Listening to Serkin mangle the Waldstein Sonata of Beethoven, for example, makes me want to scream and throw things against the wall. So clueless. So insensitive.Conversely, listening to Rubenstein play Chopin is like life in an idealized world. Such incredible mastery, sensitivity, control of tempi and rubati. This is absolutely the way that the piano oeuvre of Chopin was intended to be played, and the listener will find nothing but pleasure in the playing of the great Rubenstein.

This is a must-buy to add to your collection. Rubinstein has a unique sound, very natural, very deep and thoughful and practical. I have listened to some other recordings where you get overwhelmed with technical flawlessness and perfection however this one is completely different. Rubinstein's playing will lead you to start thinking about the music and composer, not Rubinstein himself or his technique. To me, that is really magical experience.

Always have loved Chopin's work. Love this collection of Waltzes, Impromptus...esp. "Fantasie Impromptu." Look no further for any other performance of Chopin than the great master Pianist, Arthur Rubinstein. Huge fan of both these remarkable musicians. Beautiful recording for timeless music. Wonderful Rubinstein collection for any Chopin or classical piano enthusiast! A "must-own" for your collection of fine music.

Passionate playing, quite thrilling.

Excellent product as advertised. Arrived on time.

Beautiful. I enjoy listening to it.

A beautiful CD with exquisite playing by the old master of Chopin. Just a delight from start to finish. I have a boxed set of the RCA recordings on 12" vinyl and although they are equally wonderful they are not without the odd unwanted noise. The CD seems unblemished in this respect. I also have the Nocturnes on CD and hope to acquire more of Rubinstein's output on that medium before too long. Five stars plus!

Rubinstein's interpretation of these works still has ever-green freshness and noble grace. This latest remastering with 20 bit / Super CD Encoding has added more body and brilliance to the original, beautifully capturing subtlety and intricacy of his playing.

Very good

Rubinstein plays chopin very well

Es gibt kaum bessere Interpretationen der Chopin Walzer als die zeitlos eleganten Aufnahmen von Arthur Rubinstein. Sie sind gleichermassen virtuos wie elegant gespielt und wirken dabei doch niemals hastig oder uebereilt, wie dagegen so viele spaetere 'moderne' Aufnahmen. Sie vermitteln den Spagat zwischen Heiterkeit und Melancholie auf vortrefflichste Weise.Wer Chopin liebt, kommt an diesen Aufnahmen nie mehr vorbei!