It's Magic! This is a masterful performance by the great Vladimir Ashkenazy of Chopin's favourite piano works. If you love Chopin's music and Ashkenazy's magic touch, this 2-disc CD is a must. Apart from all the all-time favourites such as grande valse brillante, op 18, nocturne in E flat major, op 9 no 2, Minute, Black Key, Military, Raindrop, Tristesse etc etc, it's interesting to note Ashkenazy's interpretation of Ballade in G minor, op 23 vis-a-vis Janusz Olejniczak playing it in the poignant scene of the award-winning Polanski's film "The Pianist" ie the piece played by Adrien Brody in his role as Szpilman, the Jewish pianist in hiding, to the German officer Hosenfeld. Enjoy!!
Opus Extraordinaire This is a very good interpretation of Chopin's piano opi, without a doubt. It has the first spot in my CD player, as I listen to it almost daily. This would make a great gift for the piano-lover and as a pianist, I greatly appreciate this interpretation.
Why are you waiting? Ashkenazy is one of the titans of Chopin. Davidovich and Arrau are the other two. They're all you need. Get Davidovich for the concertos, (inlcuding the Krakowiak--Op 14), Arrau for the nocturnes and a few micscellaneous pieces. Ashkenazy handles everything else.
(Btw, Ashkenazy vs. Davidovich re. the impromptus is a toss up. But since the impromptus aren't on this disc, you can make that critical decision another time.)
Ashkenazy's scherzo #2 (op. 31) IS the best. Period. Other interpretations that your favorite classical music station may substitute are downright lame.
The rest are basically sublime. The first and 4th ballades will send shivers up your spine by Vlad's sheer technical ability. His artistry is second to none.
Chopin: Favorite Piano Works An excellent complilation of Chopin works which includes 3 of the pieces I am currently learning. Definitely has encouraged me to improve my piano skills and allow me to better appreciate his style of music.
Chopin: Favorite Piano Works (London 2 CD) Beautifully done 2 CD of Chopin works. I've played it every weekend since I got it, loving every track. It's well performed and recorded, and is an excellent collection for anyone interested in Chopin or his adopted homeland of Poland. And, of course, you can't often go wrong with the London Label.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
