Chopin Recommendations ?

Posted by: Bert Schurink on 01 May 2013

I want to get deeper into Chopin and have of course a couple of recordings of Chopin, and the one of Maria Pires I like most so far:

 

and I am contemplating to buy something out of the below collection. So my question would be what's your recommendation for parts or "complete"collections of Chopin, and what's your opinion about the recordings below:

 

 

 

Posted on: 01 May 2013 by RaceTripper

I really enjoy the old Maurizio Pollini recordings on DG, and the Claudio Arrau on Philips.

Posted on: 01 May 2013 by EJS
Alexandre Tharaud in the waltzes, Rafal Blechacz in the preludes, Pollini in the ballads, Pogorelich in the scherzi and Pires in the nocturnes provide a good start... EJ
Posted on: 01 May 2013 by Aleg

Livia Rèv for the most musical of all .

 

Shura Cherkasssky as a specialist.

Posted on: 01 May 2013 by CFMF

Of the recordings you listed, you cannot go wrong with Rubinstein.

 

BB

Posted on: 01 May 2013 by fred simon

I give this album my absolute highest recommendation, sublime in every possible respect:

 

 

There are two general approaches to Chopin: Romantic and Classical, the former favoring the extroverted interpretations one more often hears in performances of Chopin, the latter favoring a more introverted and balanced interpretation. Blechacz prefers the latter, as do I.

Posted on: 03 May 2013 by vlada

Rubinstein is the reference.... well almost. The most catchy interpretation I have heard so far is Martha Argerich: The Legendary 1965 Recording (EMI), but this is a matter of taste. You either like Ms. Argerich's style or not. I suggest also Krystian Zimerman (Deutsche Grammophon). Alexandre Tharaud has a great recording of the Waltzes (Harmonia Mundi). Not to forget Ivan Moravec for the Nocturnes (Nonesuch). If you want more a "quite" way of interpretation I would also recommend Stephen Hough (hyperion). The best interpretation of the etudes so far, I have heard from Earl Wild.

Posted on: 03 May 2013 by Sister E.

And Lipatti in the Waltzes,

 

Sister xx

Posted on: 05 May 2013 by Haim Ronen

 

 

 

One of my favorite contemporary performers of Chopin is Ivan Moravec:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0sBwFV-eto

 

The playing is always straightforward with a delicate touch and great understanding of the music.

Posted on: 05 May 2013 by winkyincanada

 

We like this... (Piano Sonata No. 3)

Posted on: 05 May 2013 by mtuttleb
Originally Posted by RaceTripper:

I really enjoy the old Maurizio Pollini recordings on DG, and the Claudio Arrau on Philips.

 

Me too.

 

IMO, the following set is also excellent

 

 

Regards,

 

Mark

Posted on: 05 May 2013 by Aleg
Originally Posted by mtuttleb:
...
Me too.

 

IMO, the following set is also excellent

 

 

Regards,

 

Mark

+1 On Harasiewicz as well

Posted on: 06 May 2013 by Wugged Woy

Simple. Murray Perahia. Rubenstein is too flamboyant for me. Argerich too aggressive. Pollini, as usual, too cold. Perahia is like Baby Bear's bed - just right. try this :

Truly magnificent. Oh, and try this :

Again, no better version available.

Or get the lot, and be a contented Chopin man :

Trust Wugged Woy