Frédéric Chopin - Polonaises; Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise (Arthur Rubinstein)

Information

Composer: Frédéric Chopin

1. Polonaise No. 1 in C-sharp minor, Op. 26, No. 1
2. Polonaise No. 2 in E-flat minor, Op. 26, No. 2
3. Polonaise No. 3 in A major, Op. 40, No. 1 "Military"
4. Polonaise No. 4 in C minor, Op. 40, No. 2
5. Polonaise No. 5 in F-sharp minor, Op. 44
6. Polonaise No. 6 in A-flat major, Op. 53 "Heroic"
7. Polonaise-Fantasie in A-flat major, Op. 61
8. Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise in E-flat major, Op. 22: Tranquillo
9. Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise in E-flat major, Op. 22: Allegro molto - Meno mosso

Arthur Rubinstein, piano

Date: 1964

Label: RCA

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Review

The F sharp minor Polonaise receives a staggeringly great performance, its epic scale encompassing fervent patriotic aspirations, desperate initiatives and aching nostalgia. Thereafter the "Heroic" Polonaise is proudly presented, the Polonaise-Fantasie ranges from poetic meditation (no pianist has matched Rubinstein in filigree passage-work such as that which opens this piece) and passionate sweep and the Andante spianato and Grand Polonaise provide respectively the opportunity to enjoy Rubinstein's unique singing tone over a rippling accompaniment and the scintillating accuracy of his fingerwork even in advanced age.

Up to that point I have to confess I hadn't enjoyed myself so very much. Rubinstein was by this time very much one of music's elder statesmen and one senses the responsibility he felt in committing to disc a just and faithful version of music which was especially close to his heart. Alas, like some of Klemperer's last performances, everything is spelt out so deliberately that the effect is marmoreal and static. In the 2nd Polonaise I agree with everything he does, but if only he'd get on with it! And is he not too dry in much of the "Military" Polonaise (op.40/1) and positively lethargic in the C minor?

A comparison with the original LPs shows that the sound has been improved enormously. Gone is the bright clanginess and the engineers have even found degree of bloom hitherto unsuspected.

Rubinstein was once invited to award the marks at the final exams of the Paris Conservatoire. After a while it was noticed that he always awarded either 20 (the maximum) or zero. Asked why, he replied "either they can play or they can't". According to this I should award my 5 for performance on the spot, but since I lack Rubinstein's divine simplicity I award: Performance: 1-4 4 stars, 5-8 5 stars, Recording 3 and a half stars stars.

— Christopher Howell

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Frédéric Chopin (1 March 1810 – 17 October 1849) was a Polish Romantic composer and virtuoso pianist. A prodigy from Warsaw, he moved to Paris at 21, where he spent the rest of his short life. Although often in poor health, he produced a remarkable body of piano-centered works, including nocturnes, mazurkas, waltzes, polonaises, études and two piano concertos. His music, which is known for technical brilliance and innovative harmony, helped shape musical nationalism and late-Romantic style. Chopin's iconic status, dramatic life, and early death made him one of the enduring symbols of the Romantic era.

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Arthur Rubinstein (28 January 1887 – 20 December 1982) was a Polish-American pianist. Widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of all time, he received international acclaim for his performances of the music written by a variety of composers and many regard him as one of the greatest Chopin interpreters of his time. Although best known as a recitalist and concerto soloist, Rubinstein was also considered an outstanding chamber musician. He played in public for eight decades and recorded much of the core piano repertoire. All of his RCA Victor recordings have been reissued and amount to about 107 hours of music.

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