Frederic Chopin Kazimierz Kord Warsaw Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra

Was There Ever a One Complete Box Set to Have--THIS IS IT!

C. Pontus T. | SE/Asia | 11/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a proud owner of the complete original Arabesque Recordings incarnations, I don't really have any intention of buying this box--other than as a safe copy for my safe deposit box--or a possible freeze down. The reasons?: (1) Chopin is the greatest piano composer the world has seen; (2) Garrick Ohlsson is the greatest Chopin interpreter in the stereo era; (3) this is one of the most valuable complete composer cycles ever, notwithstanding the fact that the closest competition is limited--Biret being about as complete (save the chamber works and songs) but still uncompetitive on all accounts, the DG and Brilliant Classics complete cycles being spread over various good and less good pianists, Ashkenazy and Magaloff including the solo piano works only, and Rubinstein, Francois and Arrau being collections rather than complete surveys.

To make a rather long story short, Chopin's piano music has been my great musical love since 12 years of age. I did play a fair proportion of it during my teenage years; I've been listening to it, thinking of it, humming it, studying it and in every single aspect of the word cherishing it ever since.

I must try to be moderate, considering the scope and guidelines of this review format, though awfully difficult it is: I have never heard Chopin's piano music played with such beauty, naturalness, command and total perfection! Mr Ohlsson is obviously born with some kind of unique sense of how Chopin's music is to be realised. Superficially considering some of his tempos, rubatos and dynamics, they may appear a trifle self-confident or exaggerated; however, hearing them in their context, they always sound perfectly natural, motivated and infinitely beautiful--or, in short, perfect if there ever was any such thing in music interpretation.

Furthermore, the recorded piano sound is one of the most beautiful ever attained. Those lovely Bösendorfer Grands often sound metallic and harsh on record--e.g. in Biret's Chopin and Brahms series on Naxos or Kocsis's Bartok series on Philips (even if considerably better than the former); in Arabesque's reproduction, however, the instrument's inherent beauty is a true source of wonder. (Indeed, the concertante works were recorded on a Steinway, whereas the Mazurkas, Songs and Chamber Works were recorded on a Mason & Hamlin, especially rebuilt in 1994 by William Schneider for Mr Ohlsson.)

Is it possible to capture the boundless beauty of Chopin's music in squared box of less than a square foot? Sounds not very likely, does it? Take my word for it, whatever it may be worth--there is no conceivable way of coming closer than this little box set.

This comparatively brief overall review is supplemented by detailed reviews of each individual volume of the series, juxtaposed with interesting rival versions, respectively. Next up are the Ballades, last two Rondos, Scherzos and Variations of the 3rd and 4th volumes. We're all first and foremost heavily indebted to Arabesque Recordings for realising this epoch-making record project, but also to Hyperion Records for making it available again to a greater audience and at bargain price (do check out amazon.co.uk, or some dedicated British mail order dealers!).

Here is the complete list, indicating that the Preludes, Polonaises & Impromptus, Masterpieces & Miniatures and Etudes are five-star instalments, whereas the Nocturnes and Mazurkas extend beyond any conventional measures--dessert island stuff, very much so indeed:

1st Volume (Garrick Ohlsson - The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 1 ~ Sonatas) ****(+)

2nd Volume (Garrick Ohlsson: The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 2 - Preludes) *****(-)

3rd Volume (Garrick Ohlsson - The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 3 - Ballades) ****(+)

4th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson - The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 4 ~ Scherzi & Variations) ****(-)

5th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson - The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 5 ~ Polonaises & Impromptus) *****(-)

6th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson - The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 6 ~ Nocturnes) *****(+)

7th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson - The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 7 ~ Waltzes) ****

8th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson - The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 8 ~ Masterpieces & Miniatures) *****

9th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson - The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 9 ~ The Orchestral Works) ***(+)

10th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson: The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 10 - Etudes) *****

11th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson: The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 11 - Mazurkas) *****(+)

12th Volume (Garrick Ohlsson: The Complete Chopin Piano Works, Vol. 12 - Songs) ****

13th Volume (Chopin: Complete Piano Works Vol 13 - Chamber Works) ****(+)

NB: In case of emergency--save your family, dogs, wallet...and this box!"

CAN IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!

Ryan Kouroukis | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 11/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am immediately enthralled and mezmerized by Mr. Ohlsson playing and interpretations. He ranks up there with the greats, Cortot, Rubinstein, Pollini, Ashkenazy, Moravec and Arrau. Even surpassing some of them! Plus the sound the engineers gave his piano is bloomingly warm, full, spacious, and detailed!

The thing about this set is it contains absolutely everything Chopin wrote, complete on 16 full cd's in slip cases in a hard glossy cardboard box.

All of the styles of music, and each type of piano style are given their own category on the discs which keeps them organized and the liner notes are excellent...they review each of Chopin's composition and has a 2 page writeup by Mr. Ohlsson on playing Chopin and on the making of these recordings.

I would have never imagnined a Chopin cycle so commanding and authoritative, not to mention consistent in playing and sound quality!

**GARRICK OHLSSON'S NOW BECOMES THE NEW GOLD STANDARD IN CHOPIN PLAYING AND IN CHOPIN RECORDED OUVRE!**"

Masterful performances, even if the cerebral-styled Chopin n

Abel | Hong Kong | 12/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the wake of the coming of the 'Chopin year', one is always tempted to hunt for Chopin recordings.

As the Chinese saying goes, Garrick Ohlsson's comnplete Chopin Works box set is a 'single statement' (yi jia zhi yan) on the composer's output, and should by no means be ignored.

after listening to most of the 16 discs in the set by now, I would add that this set could not be ignored by (1) piano music lovers; and (2) Chopin followers.

Ohlsson's Chopin isn't everybody's cup of tea. His approach to Chopin is what I'd term 'cerebral'. That is not to say that he is 'cold' or 'mechancial'; rather, his approach is never flowery or melodramatic, nor 'soft' or 'willowy'. For the Parisians, Ohlsson's Chopoin may be a trifle too 'basic'. For 'salon Chopin' lovers, Ohlsson's can be too 'rural'. However,Ohlsson's interpretations are nonetheless convincing - he goes right back to the compositions' basics - the harmonics, the rhythms, and not just the melodic lines.

One is awe-stricken by his Mazurkas, with the lilt of the rural dances so vividly brought out as NO other pianist ever did.

His two concerti prove beyond a doubt that Ohlsson is rightly called 'the contemproary king of piano concerti', with over 70 concerti in his performance repertoire. The No. 2 concerto is the best ever, probably even so if compared with another great interpretor of this piece Dang Thai Son.

Another highly impressive reading lies in the 3 sonatas. Ohlsson has absolutely no problem with the technical aspects. That leaves one totally free to enjoy his interpretation. He is never wilful in these works. One would almost say that his playing is exactly what the composer would want of those works.

As a pianist of great technical prowess, Ohlsson's scherzi, ballades and Polonaises leave no room for technical reservations. Even if the Polonaises are not as rhytmically brilliant as his Mazurkas, they are totally sterling performances, approached with with much novelty.

Ohlsson's Chopin 'dances' show that he is not a 'Parisian' like DANG, nor 'Latin' like Pollini and Argerich, but he is very much near to the Polish soul - the direct, spontaneous and crisp approach, shorn of any flowery flipperies (like LI) or any wilful fancies (like Pogorelich).

The set was played on different Pianofortes. The choice must have been deliberate, but I for one would prefer a uniform choice of instrument.

Even so, if you wish to explore Chopin in more depth and from a more scriptural perspective, Ohlsson's set has plenty to offer.

Strongly recommended (those in my city who has purchased this set would not disagree)."

Big Man comes with Big Deal.

BigG | BKK, Thailand | 01/11/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here are some basic things you need to know about this box set. >>> The set is the reproduction of Arabseque's with bargain price(also try amazon.co.uk). The box contains with 16 Cds. Mr. Ohlsson performed on 3 different pianos.

1.Bosendorfer Imperial Grand No.33808, the piano has a very rich, dark and powerful tone, and I wonder that it might be the same piano Mr.Ohlsson used in his records of Busoni concerto, Rachmaninov concerto 2, Tchaikovsky concerto 1 and Grieg concerto. This represent another interpretation of Chopin musics because most of the records use Steinway or any other pianos that have lighter and more joyful sound, so Chopin will be darker in this record (This is just my opinion, some may thinks different, but I like dark).

2. Mason & Hamlin CC28051, which has a deep tone and more comfortable sound than Bosendorfer.

3. Steinway and Sons No. 527530, which was used in Cd 13 and 14 ( Concertos and Orchestral works). Again you will hear a lot different between Bosendorfer and Steinway.

Vol.1 Sonatas - To be honest, I never listen to the first sonata before, but Mr.Ohlsson made me like this sonata. It is such a neglected piece. 1st movement contains with sad emotion and 4th movement "Presto" starts with C octave, now you hear the power of Bosendorfer, such a violent. Sonata No.2 and No.3 are all excellent, especially No.3 the 4 movement is one of the fastest and most aggresive I have heard. ***** for Vol.1

Vol.2 Preludes - Chopin preludes are not my taste, so I didn't listen to them much. In preludes I think Ohlsson played some parts too loud and too agressive(in the left hand) and some too soft. In No.24 which I like most, Ohlsson played this piece well, but there is a problem at the ending, the first lowest D after arpeggio scale is not clear, i don't know whether it is because Ohlsson's unperfect pedalling or the piano. **** for Vol.2

Vol.3 Etudes - Ohlsson owned this set. It is one of the best etudes set i have heard. No.1 is the fastest of the piece I have heard with timing 1:40 and constant tempo, but there are mistakes in the middle section. Don't know why the didn't re-record. For me it is better than Pollini etudes. *****

Vol.4 Ballades Rondos - The first ballade performing is good until the Coda, there are too many mistakes that ruin overall performing and in downward chromatic scale to the lowest G got the same problem as Prelude No.24. Ballade No.4 is such a sweet and ripe for lovers until the Coda that everything become ruin and the lovers break up. Rondos are among the 1st rank, along with Ashkenazy's. *****

Vol.5 Scherzos Variations - first I surprise with the time. All 4 Scherzos last 2-3 minutes longer than usual. Not everyone may like this, but it is OK for me. ****

Vol.6-7 Polonaise and Vol.11-12 Mazurkas - Here again Ohlsson owned these sets. The pieces are polish dance songs and Ohlsson can bring the emotion of joyful and portrait of dancers, even he is not Poish, but the dancers must be exhausted to death if Ohlsson is the pianist who plays for them. I would like to give ******,but it is Limited to *****.

Vol.8-9 Nocturnes - Now you will face the darkness of Chopin. The first time I listened to them, I didn't like them much because Ohlsson played most of the pieces very slow, but not quite long after that I appeared to know that it was because I get use to other pianists interpretations. Open your mind and you will find that this one is gem, but a black gem in the black cave. I have listened to Moravec, Pollini, Rubinstein, Barenboim, Boegner, Vasary, Ashkenazy, Arrau, joao Pires, but Ohlsson's Op.27 no.2 and Op.48 no.1 are the best of them all(Op.48 no.1 is a good represent of darkness). *****

Vol.10 Waltzs - Again, dancing pieces with joyful and sorrow mix together. *****

Vol.13-14 Concertos and Oschestral Works - Now come Steinway piano. The sound may more suitable for oschestral (lighter, softer, more clarity). In 1st and 2nd concertos are well performed by both Warsaw Philharmonic, Kazimierz Kord and Ohlsson. For Grande Polonaise, it is slower than other performings (timing 9.30 minutes), but for me it is better. For example compare with Zimerman's, Mr.Ohlsson's contain with both more depth of emotion and power. Andante spianato is also very well playing, Ohlsson playing is a lot more delicate and beautiful. *****

Vol.15-16 Chamber musics and Songs - I don't listen very much for these, most of them are the first time i heard (like songs with Contralto and Flute),but overall are good. *****

Hope this review will help you decide about Mr.Ohlsson Chopin Complete Works more or less, and apologize in advance for anyone who don't like the comparing between pianist and pianist, it is just my opinion.

"

The ULTIMATE Chopin Set!!! You Need No Other!

Gregory E. Foster | Portland, ME, USA | 04/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Garrick Ohlsson recorded this complete cycle of all of Chopin's works for Arabesque Records years ago, and they were "lost" to us when Arabesque dropped out of the classical oeuvre basically and became a Jazz label in the nineties.

Now, in this Chopin Year, Hyperion has picked up the rights to these marvelous recordings and has re-issued them for us, in a new boxed set. I had forgotten how wonderful these traversals of these works were, (I had many of them on LP).

Hyperion is also re-releasing some items of this set as individual discs, but, truly, for the Chopin afficiando, this is the only way to go, here, complete.

If you shop around, like I did, you can get this set for approximately $50 which is an enormous saving from its nearly $200 price tag.

The sound is clean, clear, crisp, with great presence on the majority of these discs, with a few of them sounding somewhat cloudy, but not enough to take the bloom of these marvelous interpretations of Ohlsson's....surely one of the very finest complete traversals of Chopin's entire output.

Snap this set up while you can, at a great price here...you will be forever sorry if you don't and it goes out of print again!

Read some of the other reviews here...I am not alone in my estimation of these recordings.

~operabruin"

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	Frederic Chopin, Kazimierz Kord, Warsaw Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra Chopin: The Complete Works [Box Set] Genres: Dance & Electronic, Special Interest, Classical
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