Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Legendary Rubinstein!
Complete Nocturnes and Mazurkas
Artur Rubinstein (piano)
rec. Nocturnes: 1936-7; Mazurkas: 1938-9, Abbey Road Studio, London
EMI Classics 730250 2 [3 CDs: 77:38 + 72:43 + 62:03]
The title 'Legendary Rubinstein!' seems absolutely right for a Chopin recital
from the great pianist but be warned. Various marketing departments have used
this title several times before, as a cursory glance at the results of an
internet search will confirm. This collection of three CDs featuring the complete
Nocturnes and Mazurkas is actually an historical issue of recordings dating
from the late 1930s. Rubinstein's career extended right up towards his death
in 1982. Curiously for a tribute album, nowhere does the accompanying booklet
give his dates.
That said, in many respects the booklet is rather good. With so many shorter
pieces - there are no fewer than 19 Nocturnes and 51 Mazurkas - the listings
of the tracks and the identification of the compositions need to be clearly
articulated and laid out on the page, as indeed they are. The details of the
recordings, the re-masterings and the engineers are all included, though inevitably
some details of these have disappeared with the passing of so many years.
There is an admirable essay by Max Harrison, which explains Rubinstein's career
in the context of the 1930s when these recordings were made. This then proceeds
to introduce the music generally in a lucid and informative manner. Too often
these 'tribute albums' concentrate solely on the artist in their booklet notes
- the recent Klemperer Bruckner collection, also from EMI, being a case in
point. Here the balance between artist and music is perfectly judged, and
is a model of its kind.
Essentially there are two issues to consider about these recorded performances,
and they amount to the music and the recorded sound. The piano sound is accurate
but the re-masterings generally opt for this priority over that of atmosphere.
Consequently the sound is somewhat unforgiving, except that occasionally -
as in the F sharp Nocturne Op. 15 No. 2 - there is a 'frying tonight' background.
The same is true of the Mazurkas, whose sound is admirably clear, if allowance
is made regarding atmosphere.
The set forms a complete collection and is valuable in that regard, especially
at bargain price. Moreover, Rubinstein had studied the music afresh at this
stage of the career and the performances are thoughtful, imaginative and peerless.
All that is lacking is subtlety of piano sound, and with it the subtlety of
dynamic shading that only a more modern recording could provide. Rubinstein
himself did make such recordings in the post-war era.
To conclude: this collection offers excellent value and wonderful performances,
but it comes with a health warning about the quality of the recorded sound.
Terry Barfoot
Excellent value, wonderful performances, but a health warning about the quality
of the recorded sound.
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