This is a re-posting of a post that was on the site for quite a while, which I deleted entirely. It’s very important to me since I was raised on Chopin; and recently spent a lot of time researching, listening and downloading various interpretations by the true ‘masters.’ I’ve since realized that the female pianist who I thought had captured Chopin’s essence was way off the mark!
If you love Chopin and would be interested in my search for: “Who plays him ‘right'” .. then read on. Otherwise cut to the chase, scroll down and find the little blue arrows … and listen to arguably the greatest composer of piano music.
So … even though my father – a genuine Chopin freak – listened to Horowitz and Rubinstein primarily: I find them both lacking compared to those I eventually found. Amongst others: Michelangeli, Ugorski, Cziffra, Arrau, Alexandre Tharaud, Richter, Guiomar Novaes, Pollini, Martha Argerich .. and from the ‘young ones’ – Yundi Li and Rafal Blechacz. Rafal was considered SO great in his playing of Chopin that at the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano CompetitionWarsaw According to ABC News, one of the judges, Professor Piotr Paleczny, said that Blechacz “so outclassed the remaining finalists that no second prize could actually be awarded.”
Without further ado – here are some great interpreters – of the great piano composer – Chopin.
PS – I have deleted and replaced the Long Playing entry for Chopin with other great artists/interpreters of his music.
Cantabile, [KK1230] – In Bb played by Anatoli Ugorski
Mazurka in d major op.33 no. 2 played by Martha Argerich
Waltze -12 in F minor op.70 2 played by Claudio Arrau
Revolutionary Etude played by Georges Cziffra
Prelude no. 15 in D flat major (Raindrop) played by Rafal Blechacz