This year of 2010 is the commemorative year of the 200th anniversary of FRYDERYK CHOPIN's birth (or, in french, FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN), the famous, beloved and sophisticated polish Composer and Pianist.
In the Chopin's world, among the very great pianists, ARTUR RUBINSTEIN is a legend. "Chopin" - wrote him in one's own hand - "was a genius of universal appeal. His music conquers the most diverse audiences. When the first notes of Chopin sound through the concert hall there is a happy sigh of recognition".[...]"When I play Chopin I know I speak directly to the hearts of people!" ["The Chopin Collection", RCA Red Seal, in the booklet of "The Ballades" & "The Scherzos" (complete), and on others of the collection].
Another legendary pianist of this world is CLAUDIO ARRAU (on PHILIPS label).
They are indispensable models (references).
Also SVIATOSLAV RICHTER is a powerful example (Philips, "The Authorised Recordings"; DECCA, "20th Century Piano Works", and Regis).
But, among the alived ones, we found very distinguished Chopin performers: MARTHA ARGUERICH (DG and EMI), MAURIZIO POLLINI (DG), MARIA JOÃO PIRES (DG, Erato), VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY (DECCA), DANIEL BARENBOIM (DG), KRYSTIAN ZIMERMAN (DG), EVGENY KISSIN (RCA Red Seal), MURRAY PRAHIA (SONY - But, in my opinion, his "Ballades" and "Etudes" are excessively valued by "Gramophone")...
To pay homage to the composer FRYDERYK CHOPIN, I search for a disc in my library. The choose is not easy. I opt for the "NOCTURNES" by the portuguese pianist MARIA JOÃO PIRES. [Chopin developed and increased, at a highest degree, the "Nocturnes" of its pioneer JOHN FIELD (on NAXOS label), the delightful irish composer and pianist].
The CHOPIN's "NOCTURNES" are magnificent and magnetic works.
A necklace of 21 pearls.
There are no adjectives to qualify the performance of Maria João Pires.
"No moon in the sky ever length such a glow..." (from the song "Woman in Love").
Poetic, glamourous, with splendour, the piano sings under her fingers. And sings marvellousely.
The sound is truly wonderful, with an astonishing clearness and amazing purity.
The recording is magnificent, assisted to all the contemporary technology.
"Maria João Pires [is] among the most eloquent master-musicians of our time" ("Gramophone").
Or, paraphrasing A. Rubinstein, Maria João Pires "speaks directly to the hearts of people!".
These discs are essential in any classical music's library.
Total playing time: 50'29 (disc 1) + 58'42 (disc 2); 4D - DDD; "Deutsche Grammophon" - 2 CDs; Published in 1996.
The box set, with a beautiful cover, also includes a very good booklet (with a worthy cover - see above), in english, germany, french, italian and spanish.
The music have no frontiers.
ONOFRE MOREIRA (PORTUGAL)
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