Chopin: Nocturnes, Vol.1

On this CD:

1. Nocturne for piano in B flat minor, Op. 9/1, CT 109
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

2. Nocturne for piano in E flat major, Op. 9/2, CT 109
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

3. Nocturne for piano in B major, Op. 9/3, CT 110
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

4. Nocturne for piano in F major, Op. 15/1, CT 111
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

5. Nocturne for piano in F sharp major, Op. 15/2, CT 112
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

6. Nocturne for piano in G minor, Op. 15/3, CT 113
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

7. Nocturne for piano in C sharp minor, Op. 27/1, CT 114
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

8. Nocturne for piano in D flat major, Op. 27/2, CT 155
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

9. Nocturne for piano in B major, Op. 32/1, CT 116
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

10. Nocturne for piano in A flat major, Op. 32/2, CT 117
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Ricardo Castro

Tracks:

Grande Valse Brilliante in E flat, Op.18 - Eliso Bolkvadze
Minute Waltz in D flat, Op.64 No.1
Nocturne in F#, Op.15 No.2 - Alexander Botalov
Nocturne in c, Op.48 No.1 - Andrei Ivanovitch
Nocturne in f#, Op.48 No.2 - Andrei Ivanovitch
Prld in A flat, Op.28 No.17 - Andrei Ivanovitch
Prld in A, Op.28 No.7
Prld in D# 'Raindrop', Op.28 No.15
Prld in e flat, Op.28 No.14
Prld in e, Op.28 No.4
Prld in f#, Op.28 No.8 - Alexander Botalov
Prld in G, Op.28 No.3
Waltz in c#, Op.64 No.2
Waltz in A flat, Op.69 No.1
Waltz in b, Op.69 No.2
Waltz in a, Op.34 No.2
Waltz in F, Op.34 No.3
Waltz in A flat, Op.42

Average customer rating:

The idiosyncratic gaze!
Fascinating Chopin
The One and Only One Chopinist?
Excellent, Eccentric Chopin

Chopin: Piano Works, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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Debussy & Ravel: Piano Works - Samson Francois (6 CD's)
Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead
Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra
Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems
Bach: Orchestral Suites & Concertos

ASIN: B00005MIZR
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Tracks:

Pno Conc No.1 in e, Op.11. I: Allegro Maestoso - Monte Carlo National Opera Orch/Luis Fremaux
Pno Conc No.1 in e, Op.11: II. Romanze: Larghetto - Monte Carlo National Opera Orch/Luis Fremaux
Pno Conc No.1 in e, Op.11: III. Rondo: Vivace - Monte Carlo National Opera Orch/Luis Fremaux
Pno Conc No.2 in f, Op.21: I. Maestoso - Monte Carlo National Opera Orch/Luis Fremaux
Pno Conc No.2 in f, Op.21: II. Larghetto - Monte Carlo National Opera Orch/Luis Fremaux
Pno Conc No.2 in f, Op.21: III. Allegro Vivace - Monte Carlo National Opera Orch/Luis Fremaux

Tracks:

Polonaise No.1 in c#, Op.26 No.1 - Pierre Barbizet
Polonaise No.2 in e flat, Op.26 No.2 - Pierre Barbizet
Polonaise No.3 in A 'Militaire', Op.40 No.1 - Pierre Barbizet
Polonaise No.4 in c, Op.40 No.1 - Pierre Barbizet
Polonaise No.5 in f#, Op.44 - Pierre Barbizet
Polonaise No.6 in A flat 'Heroique', Op.53 - Pierre Barbizet
Polonaise No.7 in A flat 'Polonaise Brillante', Op.61 - Pierre Barbizet
Andante Spianato Et Grande Polonaise in E flat, Op.22 - Pierre Barbizet

Tracks:

Polonaises Posthumes in d, Op.71 No.1 - Pierre Barbizet
Polonaises Posthumes in B flat, Op.71 No.2 - Pierre Barbizet
Polonaises Posthumes in f, Op.71 No.3 - Pierre Barbizet
Fant in f, Op.49 - Pierre Barbizet
Tarentelle in a flat, Op.43 - Pierre Barbizet
Barcarolle in F#, Op.60 - Pierre Barbizet
Rondo in C, Op.73 - Pierre Barbizet

Tracks:

Ballade No.1 in g, Op.23
Ballade No.2 in F, Op.38
Ballade No.3 in A flat, Op.47
Ballade No.4 in f, Op.52
Scherzo No.1 in b, Op.20
Scherzo No.2 in b flat, Op.31
Scherzo No.3 in c#, Op.39
Scherzo No.4 in E, Op.54

Tracks:

Valse No.1 in E flat 'Grande Valse Brillante', Op.18
Valse No.2 in A flat 'Valse Brillante', Op.34 No.1
Valse No.3 in a, Op.34 No.2
Valse No.4 in F 'Valse Brillante', Op.34 No.3
Grande Valse No.5 in A flat, Op.42
Valse No.6 in D flat, Op.64 No.1
Valse No.7 in c#, Op.64 No.2
Valse No.8 in A flat, Op.64 No.3
Valse No.9 in A flat, Op.69 No.1
Valse No.10 in b, Op.69 No.2
Valse No.11 in G flat, Op.70 No.1
Valse No.12 in f, Op.70 No.2
Valse No.13 in D flat, Op.70 No.3
Valse No.14 in e, Op. posth
Impromptu No.1 in A flat, Op.29
Impromptu No.2 in F#, Op.36
Impromptu No.3 in G flat, Op.51
Impromptu No.4 in c# 'Fant-Impromptu', Op.66

Tracks:

Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: I. Grave - Doppio Movt
Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: II. Scherzo: Presto, Ma Non Troppo - Piu Lento - Tempo I
Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: III. Marche Funebre: Lento
Son No.2 in b flat, Op.35: IV. Finale: Presto
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: I. Allegretto Maestoso
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: II. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: III. Largo
Son No.3 in b, Op.58: IV. Finale: Presto, Ma Non Tanto
Mazurka No.1 in f#, Op.6 No.1
Mazurka No.2 in c#, Op.6 No.2
Mazurka No.3 in E, Op.6 No.3
Mazurka No.4 in e flat, Op.6 No.4
Mazurka No.5 in B flat, Op.7 No.1
Mazurka No.6 in a, Op.7 No.2
Mazurka No.7 in f, Op.7 No.3
Mazurka No.8 in A flat, Op.7 No.4
Mazurka No.9 in C, Op.7 No.5
Mazurka No.10 in B flat, Op.17 No.1
Mazurka No.11 in e, Op.17 No.2
Mazurka No.12 in A flat, Op.17 No.3
Mazurka No.13 in a, Op.17 No.4
Mazurka No.14 in g, Op.24 No.1
Mazurka No.15 in C, Op.24 No.2
Mazurka No.16 in A flat, Op.24 No.3
Mazurka No.17 in b flat, Op.24 No.4

Tracks:

Mazurka No.18 in c, Op.30 No.1
Mazurka No.19 in b, Op.30 No.2
Mazurka No.20 in D flat, Op.30 No.3
Mazurka No.21 in c#, Op.30 No.4
Mazurka No.22 in g#, Op.33 No.1
Mazurka No.23 in D, Op.33 No.2
Mazurka No.24 in C, Op.33 No.3
Mazurka No.25 in B, Op.33 No.4
Mazurka No.26 in c#, Op.41 No.1
Mazurka No.27 in e, Op.41 No.2
Mazurka No.28 in B, Op.41 No.3
Mazurka No.29 in A flat, Op.41 No.4
Mazurka No.30 in G, Op.50 No.1
Mazurka No.31 in A flat, Op.50 No.2
Mazurka No.32 in c#, Op.50 No.2
Mazurka No.33 in B, Op.56 No.1
Mazurka No.34 in C, Op.56 No.2
Mazurka No.35 in c, Op.56 No.3
Mazurka No.36 in a, Op.59 No.1
Mazurka No.37 in A flat, Op.59 No.2
Mazurka No.38 in f#, Op.59 No.3
Mazurka No.39 in B, Op.63 No.1
Mazurka No.40 in f, Op.63 No.2
Mazurka No.41 in c#, Op.63 No.3
Mazurka No.42 in G, Op.67 No.1
Mazurka No.43 in g, Op.67 No.2
Mazurka No.44 in C, Op.67 No.3
Mazurka No.45 in a, Op.67 No.4
Mazurka No.46 in C, Op.68 No.1
Mazurka No.47 in a, Op.68 No.2
Mazurka No.48 in F, Op.68 No.3
Mazurka No.49 in f, Op.68 No.4
Mazurka No.50 in a
Mazurka No.51 in a

Tracks:

Etudes, Op.10: No.1 in C
Etudes, Op.10: No.2 in a
Etudes, Op.10: No.3 in E
Etudes, Op.10: No.4 in c#
Etudes, Op.10: No.5 in G flat
Etudes, Op.10: No.6 in e flat
Etudes, Op.10: No.7 in C
Etudes, Op.10: No.8 in F
Etudes, Op.10: No.9 in f
Etudes, Op.10: No.10 in A flat
Etudes, Op.10: No.11 in E flat
Etudes, Op.10: No.12 in c
Etudes, Op.25: No.1 in A flat
Etudes, Op.25: No.2 in f
Etudes, Op.25: No.3 in F
Etudes, Op.25: No.4 in a
Etudes, Op.25: No.5 in e
Etudes, Op.25: No.6 in g#
Etudes, Op.25: No.7 in c#
Etudes, Op.25: No.8 in D flat
Etudes, Op.25: No.9 in G flat
Etudes, Op.25: No.10 in b
Etudes, Op.25: No.11 in a
Etudes, Op.25: No.12 in c
Nouvelles Etudes, Op.Posth: No.1 in f
Nouvelles Etudes, Op.Posth: No.2 in D flat
Nouvelles Etudes, Op.Posth: No.3 in A flat

Tracks:

Nocturne No.1 in b flat, Op.9 No.1
Nocturne No.2 in E flat, Op.9 No.2
Nocturne No.3 in B, Op.9 No.3
Nocturne No.4 in F, Op.15 No.1
Nocturne No.5 in F#, Op.15 No.2
Nocturne No.6 in g, Op.15 No.3
Nocturne No.7 in c#, Op.27 No.1
Nocturne No.8 in D flat, Op.27 No.2
Nocturne No.9 in B, Op.32 No.1
Nocturne No.10 in A flat, Op.32 No.2
Nocturne No.11 in g, Op.37 No.1
Nocturne No.12 in g, Op.37 No.2
Nocturne No.13 in c, Op.48 No.1

Tracks:

Nocturne No.14 in f#, Op.48 No.2
Nocturne No.15 in f, Op.55 No.1
Nocturne No.16 in E flat, Op.55 No.2
Nocturne No.17 in B, Op.62 No.1
Nocturne No.18 in E, Op.62 No.2
Nocturne No.19 in e, Op.72 No.1
Prlds, Op.28 No.1 in C
Prlds, Op.28 No.2 in a
Prlds, Op.28 No.3 in G
Prlds, Op.28 No.4 in e
Prlds, Op.28 No.5 in D
Prlds, Op.28 No.6 in b
Prlds, Op.28 No.7 in A
Prlds, Op.28 No.8 in f#
Prlds, Op.28 No.9 in E
Prlds, Op.28 No.10 in c#
Prlds, Op.28 No.11 in B
Prlds, Op.28 No.12 in g#
Prlds, Op.28 No.13 in F#
Prlds, Op.28 No.14 in e flat
Prlds, Op.28 No.15 in D flat
Prlds, Op.28 No.16 in b flat
Prlds, Op.28 No.17 in A flat
Prlds, Op.28 No.18 in f
Prlds, Op.28 No.19 in E flat
Prlds, Op.28 No.20 in c
Prlds, Op.28 No.21 in B flat
Prlds, Op.28 No.22 in g
Prlds, Op.28 No.23 in F
Prlds, Op.28 No.24 in d

Customer Reviews:

The idiosyncratic gaze! .......2006-08-17

Samson Francois' Chopin has overtly overtopped and even redefined the whole concept around Chopin's universe.

As a matter of fact, Alfred Cortot, Dinu Lipatti, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli brought not only a refreshing vision but still better, new perspectives of interpretation, leaving behind the romanticism and approaching him under the idiosyncratic emblem of a bygone era. That's what the previous reviewers have denominated eccentric rather than interpretative renovation, where the dimension of every piece is considered in its own individuality and specific weight, where the concept of miniaturist composer has been substituted by the thinker poet, earning an organic quality and major dramatic scope.

I cannot think about another pianist who may phrase Chopin as Francois did it. So, please do me a favor and firmly decide to acquire it. You will surprise yourself!

Fascinating Chopin.......2006-02-17

I understand Francois was somewhat of an eccentric, and in a way his playing of these familiar great works are sometimes eccentric, for instance in the tempos of the first movement of the First Concerto and the first movement of the B-flat minor sonata. He is a great magician and poet, however, and these well-recorded readings have given me immense pleasure. Great for a more non-traditional look at Chopin, a composer that allows the performer a lot of leeway to engage in fluctuations of line and tempo without diminishing the works. The Noctures, Ballades, Concerti, Sonatas, Preludes, Polonaises and Etudes are wonderful. The Mazurkas seem pretty cold-hearted and are the low point of the set. However, the highs far outweigh the lows, and I highly recommend this modestly priced set as a very interesting alternative to more traditional approaches. A unique artist.

The One and Only One Chopinist?.......2005-01-25

Samson Francois is more well-known in Europe (or even in Asia) than in US.

Philips, advised by Alfred Brendel among others, presented Samson Francois as one of the greatest pianists of the century. In Philips' list, we do have some extraordinary Chopinists. Fridedman's Mazurkas are said to be unsurpassble, so are Cortot's Preludes & Etudes (or all his Chopin), or Lipatti's Waltzes. Or else, Hofmann's or Rachmaninov's Chopin are just marvelous. But those are historic recordings. While some prefer Moravec or even Arrau's Nocturnes, Rubinstein's Nocturnes, and particularly his Polonaises, like Agerich's Preludes are a sensation. Cziffra's Chopin is superb, so is Freire in general. But we can't leave out Samson as a leading Chopin interpreter.

Samson was perhaps the greatest of Cortot's pupils. From his Chopin Ballades, there are all-embracing colours (by the subtlety of using the pedal among other things) creating rainbow after rainbow. The harmonic suspensions as the nub of the Ballades adds so much to the potency of music. His Nocturnes, darkening the colours in the background creating the right atmostphere together with the poignancy of his narrative power, compare favourably with Arrau's. His Preludes may not be a fiery as Agerich's, but they are more bitter, so bitter that he is a type of his own...

The Nocturnes are recorded in '66. And in any event the earliest recording in the boxset was made in '54 and the re-mastering is so good that unless you make an effort, you won't be able to tell them from modern recordings and yet they are sold at bargain price. Grap it while it is still available.

Excellent, Eccentric Chopin.......2004-01-18

The Chopin "Piano Works" featured in this 10 CD set from EMI's "Budget Box Series" are excellent, yet eccentric. Those used to the romance and poetry of Rubinstein, the deliberateness and precision of Horowitz, or the power and grace of Pollini may well be in for a shock when it comes to Samson Francois' Chopin. The Piano Concertos, performed with Louis Fremaux conducting the Monte Carlo National Opera Orchestra from 1965 (and available as a single disc in EMI's "Great Recordings of the Century" series) are strikingly different from accounts I am more familiar with by Argerich, Bachauer and Gilels. To say their defining characteristic is that they are more French sounding is an understatement. The highlight of this set, which by the way is not a "complete" volume of all of Chopin's piano music, has to be the Ballades (though, like much of the material in this set they are in mono) and the Nocturnes (in stereo from 1966). In turn, the low point is most certainly the Mazurkas -- Artur, where are you when we need you? In all, this is certainly an amazing musical document, and at this budget price, a nice alternative to more accepted readings. But my five-star rating comes with the caveat that this Box Set is not for those looking for there one and only Chopin collection.

Average customer rating:

The Romantic Piano, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0002IRY18
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 6

Average customer rating:

Meditation: Classical Relaxation, Vol. 6

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B000001VSW
Release Date: 1991-10-11

Tracks:

Swan Lake: Scene - Bavarian RSO/Hans Vonk
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Romance - Berlin CO/Peter Wohlert
Nocturne in B, Op.9 No.3 - Krzysztof Jablonski
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chor - Sofia National Opr Chor
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Notturno - Budapest PO/Janos Kovacs
Sym No.35 'Haffner': Andante - Salzburg Mozarteum Orch/Hans Graf
Carmen Ste No.1: Intermezzo - Budapest PO/Janos Sandor
Pno Son in B flat, D960: Andante Sostenuto - Peter Rosel
Sinf Conc in E flat: Andante - Christian Altenburger/Wolfgang Christ
Pno Con No.2: Larghetto - Adam Harasiewicz

Alfred Cortot: The Late Recordings, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Alfred Cortot: The Late Recordings, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Apr UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Late Recordings, Vol. 2
Alfred Cortot: The Master Classes

ASIN: B000065AI6
Release Date: 2002-07-30

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The Transcendental Rubinstein
Restless Nocturnes and Furious Scherzos

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 26

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 28
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 27
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 1
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 29
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 32

ASIN: B000054277
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Tracks:

Nocturne in b flat, Op.9, No.1
Nocturne in E flat, Op.9, No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.9, No.3
Nocturne in F, Op.15, No.1
Nocturne in F#, Op.15, No.2
Nocturne in g, Op.15, No.3
Nocturne in c#, Op.27, No.1
Nocturne in D flat, Op.27, No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.32, No.1
Nocturne in A flat, Op.32, No.2
Nocturne in g, Op.37, No.1
Nocturne in G, Op.37, No.2
Nocturne in c, Op.48, No.1
Nocturne in f#, Op.48, No.2

Tracks:

Nocturne in f, Op.55, No.1
Nocturne in E flat, Op.55, No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.62, No.1
Nocturne in E, Op.62, No.2
Nocturne in e, Op.72, No.1 (Posth.)
Scherzo in b, No.1, Op.20
Scherzo in b flat, No.2, Op.31
Scherzo in c#, No.3, Op.39
Scherzo in E, No.4, Op.54
Trois Nouvelles Etudes, Op. Posth.: No.1 in f
Trois Nouvelles Etudes, Op. Posth.: No.2 in A flat
Trois Nouvelles Etudes, Op. Posth.: No.3 in D flat
Fant-Impromptu in c#, Op.66

Customer Reviews:

The Transcendental Rubinstein.......2001-12-23

Although I have just barely started my career as a musicologist, I do have some words to say about Rubinstein's vol. 26. Surpassing Kissin renditions of Chopin's nocturnes, Rubinstein obtains moments of claritative expressiveness that trancends all forms of idiosyncratic critiques and allows listeners to enjoy it's refreshing sound: pure sentimental enjoyment. By juxtaposing Rubinstein's with Horowitz definitive perceptions about who understood Chopin's motives will never be posited, but it is for certain that if a person is interested in Chopin's nocturnes they must buy both to settle this question to their satisfaction.

Restless Nocturnes and Furious Scherzos.......2001-09-16

It probably never occurred to Arthur Rubinstein that all of his recordings would eventually be re-released, available in a gargantuan complete edition, and that enthusiasts would compare and debate the merits of various performances.

Rubinstein made three traversals of the complete Nocturnes (well, mostly complete, except for some juvenile pieces which the pianist ignored). This, the second set, was made for long playing records in 1949-50 and was intended to replace the 78RPM set made in 1936-37. I find this later set curiously unsatisfying. It has neither the seductiveness of the 1930s Nocturnes, nor the sober gravitas of the 1965 stereo remake. There are moments of restlessness here, some technical problems(the trills in Op. 62, No. 1 are thoroughly messed-up), and even some misinterpretations of the text (there is a serious mis-interpretation of the ending of Op. 32, No. 1). Although Rubinstein was the 20th Century's most important Chopin interpreter, he didn't play many of the works in public, and I have the sneaking suspicion that many of the pieces in this collection are being sight-read.

Rubinstein is more successful in the Scherzos. Again this is the second of three complete sets. This version, from 1949, is more stable technically than the rather wild 1932 set, and more dazzling than the 1959 stereo remake. Although each set has its merits, on most levels this is the most successful of the three.

Although Rubinstein never made a complete version of Chopin's Etudes (an attempt at these works was abandoned after one session) he did make two recordings of the Trois Nouvelles Etudes. This first version, from 1958, was one of his first stereo solo recordings, and is somewhat more fleet fingered and lively that the 1962 remake.

Rubinstein's 1964 recording of Chopin's ubiquitous Fantasie-Impromptu (Volume 47) is to be preferred over the earlier version included here. Not only is the recorded sound superior in the later version, but Rubinstein in 1964 performed the piece from a then recently discovered manuscript which is undoubtedly the definitive version.

Tracks:

Scherzo No 1 In B Minor, Op. 20
Three Nocturnes, Op 9: No 3 In B Major
Twelve Etudes, Op 10: No 5 In G Flat Major
Twelve Etudes, Op 25: No 10 In B Minor
24 Preludes, Op 28:: No 13 In F Sharp Major
24 Preludes, Op 28:: No 14 In E Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op 28:: No 15 In D Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op 28:: No 16 In B Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op 28:: No 17 In A Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op 28:: No 18 In F Minor
Scherzo No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 31
Waltz In E Flat Major, Op. 18
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth.
Four Mazurkas, Op. 24:: No. 3 In A Flat Major
Four Mazurkas, Op. 24:: No. 4 In B Flat Minor

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2001-09-30

For anyone considering buying a CD of Chopin, this is a great one to get. The artists who play on this CD play wonderfully and absolutely demstrate that they know what they are doing with the piano. A fine example of some of the greatest Chopin works out there. If you enjoy the piano, you will love this CD.

Average customer rating:

Idel Biret plays the Chopin Nocturnes

Chopin: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 5

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chopin: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 6

ASIN: B00001YVCN
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

Nocturne in b flat, Op.9, No.1
Nocturne in E flat, Op.9, No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.9, No.3
Nocturne in F, Op.15, No.1
Nocturne in F#, Op.15, No.2
Nocturne in g, Op.15, No.3
Nocturne in c#, Op.27, No.1
Nocturne in D flat, Op.27, No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.32, No.1
Nocturne in A flat, Op.32, No.2
Nocturne in c, B.I. 108
Nocturne in c#, B.I. 49

Customer Reviews:

Idel Biret plays the Chopin Nocturnes.......2006-09-27

For many listeners, the nocturnes are quintessential Chopin, with their dreamlike, reflective character, long, singing melodic lines, exquisite ornamentation, long light runs, trills, turns and arpeggios. Chopin composed nocturnes throughout his creative life. The earliest nocturne with an opus number the nocturne in E minor, opus 72 dates from 1827, Chopin's 17th year, while the final nocturnes of opus 62 were composed in 1846, three years before Chopin's death. Chopin's nocturnes encompass a wide variety of moods and feelings from the dreamy and reserved to the angry and passionate. They are generally in three-part form, with an opening section presenting the themes, a contrasting middle section, which varies widely among the nocturnes, and a recapitulation of the opening material, which also varies a great deal among the works and is sometimes omitted or drastically altered in form. The nocturnes are the most songlike of Chopin's compositions, and an awareness of the long vocal lines is essential to the performer and the listener.

The nocturnes have been recorded many times, but the version by the Turkish pianist Idel Biret is one of the best. Biret recorded the complete works of Chopin for Naxos between 1990 -- 1992, and she received the Grand Prix du Disque Chopin 1995. With so many recordings by better-known artists, Biret still has not received the attention she deserves. She plays the nocturnes with a beatiful singing style, with grace and with reserve. Chopin's work is a combination of romantic feeling and classical form. It is difficult for the performer to avoid the temptation to overinterpret. But Idel Biret allows the music to sing and speak through her, with singing tone, lovely phrasing, light runs, and a measured use of rubato. This CD, and its companion, is a joy to hear.

Biret has recorded the nocturnes on two volumes, with this volume, no. 1, including the ten nocturnes from opus 9 (1830-31) through opus 32 (1836--1837) together with two early works without an opus number. The opus 9 nocturnes include the familiar nocturne in E flat major, opus 9. no. 2, which will be familiar to most listeners. Overexposure has made this lovely work sound hackneyed, but Biret gives it a reading of innocence, simplicity, and directness which made me think I was coming to it for the first time. But pay attention to the other two works of the opus 9 set, which are even more beautiful and original and far less known than their companion.

The three nocturnes of opus 15 include the well-known opus 15 no. 2 in F-sharp major, with elaborate runs and figurations in its main theme together with the nocturne in g minor, no. 3, which is one of Chopin's easier compositions. I have attempted it, and it is suitable for fellow amateur pianists.

The nocturne in C sharp minor, opus 27 no 1 is one of Chopin's finest with a dreamlike opening section that blossoms into a moment of passion before it fades away. Its companion piece in D flat major is frequently performed. It opens with a widely-spaced left hand arpeggio which accompanies a highly melodic and ornamented theme. The two nocturnes of opus 32 include the simple and lyrical no. 1 in B major, and a delicate, dancelike nocturne in A-flat major, no. 2.

Chopin's nocturnes are among those rare works which enchant those listeners new to music and which continue to reveal their beauties as one's musical appreciation deepens. Idel Biret's performances on Naxos are an outstanding way to get to know the nocturnes.

Robin Friedman

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Idel Biret Plays the Chopin Nocturnes

Chopin: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chopin: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 5

ASIN: B00001YVCO
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

Nocturne in g, Op.37, No.1
Nocturne in G, Op.37, No.2
Nocturne in c, Op.48, No.1
Nocturne in f#, Op.48, No.2
Nocturne in f, Op.55, No.1
Nocturne in E flat, Op.55, No.2
Nocturne in B, Op.62, No.1
Nocturne in E, Op.62, No.2
Nocturne in e, Op.72, No.1 (Posth.)

Customer Reviews:

Idel Biret Plays the Chopin Nocturnes.......2006-09-28

Idel Biret is an outstanding Turkish pianist who recorded the complete works of Chopin for Naxos between 1990 -- 1992. Her playing combines great depth of feeling and romance with a subdued style and restraint -- an all-too-rare combination in the performance of Chopin. Her playing of the nocturnes, espectially her sensitive phrasing and use of rubato brought to mind the comment of Chopin's student and editor, Carl Mikuli, on Chopin's own playing. Mikuli wrote, "[I]n keeping time Chopin was inflexible, and many will be surprised to learn that the metronome never left his piano. Even in his oft-decried tempo rubato, -- one hand-- that having the accompaniment -- always played on in strict time, while the other, singing the melody, either hesitating, as if undecided, or, with increased animation, anticipating with a kind of impatient vehemence, as if in passionate utterances, maintained the freedom of musical expression from the fetters of strict regularity." Mikuli aptly described how Biret would perform the nocturnes with their steady, repeating left hand figurations and flights of long melody and exquisite runs and ornamentation in the right hand.

Biret recorded the Chopin nocturnes in two volumes. This, the second volume, includes both Chopin's earliest nocturne with an opus number, the nocturne in E minor, opus 72 no. 1, composed when the composer was 17, and his final efforts in the form, the two nocturnes of opus 62, dating from 1846. Biret's first volume of the nocturnes includes the ten works from opus 9 through opus 32, dating from 1836-37, in addition to two early works without an opus number. This volume, following opus 72, picks up with the two nocturnes of opus 37, composed in 1838, and proceeds with the two works of opus 48, the two nocturnes of opus 55, and the final two nocturnes of opus 62. Thie nocturnes are romantic, lyrical, and pensive with song-like lengthy melodic lines.

There is a great deal of variety and beautiful music in the nocturnes in this volume. The early nocturne opus 72 no. 1 is simpler in style than most of its successors. It features a flowing melody, less ornamented than most of the nocturnes, played over triplets and an intense middle section. The nocturne in G minor opus 37 no. 1 is special to me because it is one of the few Chopin nocturnes I have attempted myself. (Another is opus 55 no. 1.) It is simple and melancholy in structure, with an accompaniment consisting of four quarter-notes, and a chordal, solemn middle section. Its companion in G major, opus 37 no.2 features a long, piquant melody consisting of running figures in thirds and sixths, which Idel Biret plays lyrically, smoothly and convincingly.

The nocturne in C minor opus 48 no. 1 is Chopin's largest effort in the form. It opens with a quiet, stately theme, which Chopin develops inexorably into a section of large deep rolled chords ahd hammering, extensive passages in octaves for both hands before the nocturne works to a quiet close. The companion-piece in F-sharp minor is, in contrast, peaceful and tranquil in mood.

The nocturne in E minor, opus 55 no. 1 is frequently performed with a haunting theme over a simple accompaniment figure and a passionate, lively coda. Its companion-piece in E-flat major includes a richly-textured melody combined with much ornamentation over repeated accompaniment figures in triplets.

Chopin's final two nocturnes, opus 62, are frequently regarded as differing from the other works in the series in their spare and deeply introspective, almost mystical, character. (By chance, these were among the first Chopin nocturnes I heard when young.) Opus 62 no. 1 opens with some deep, pensive slow arpeggios, and features long, light runs and highly elaborate trills as the work progresses. The final nocturne, in E major opus 62 no.2, is highly melodic, with an elaborate and agitated central section.

Although Idel Biret's performances of Chopin have received wide-spread critical acclaim, the nocturnes have been extensively recorded by many well-known artists. Thus Biret's readings still await their deserved wide discovery and appreciation. This recording and its companion will serve as an outstanding introduction to Chopin's nocturnes.

Robin Friedman

Frederic Chopin: World Famous Piano Music Vol.1:Impromptus, Nocturnes, Fantasy

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Frederic Chopin: World Famous Piano Music Vol.1:Impromptus, Nocturnes, Fantasy

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0001IZN2G

Product Description

Track List: 4 Impromptus 1.No.1 Op.29 In A Flat Major, Allegro Assai 2.No.2 Op.36 In F Sharp Major, Andantino 3.No.3 Op.51 In G Flat Major, Vivace 4.No.4 Op.66 In C Sharp Minor, (Fantasy-Impromptu) 4 Nocturnes 5.Op.27,1 In C Sharp Minor, Larghetto 6.Op.27,2 In D Flat Major, Lento Sostenuto 7.Op.37,1 In G Minor 8.Op.37,2 In G Major, Andantino 9.Fantasy In F Minor Op.49

Customer Reviews:

More info.......2006-02-08

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