Search - Leif Ove Andsnes, Dmitri Alexeyev, Maria Tipo :: Chopin: The Romantic Pianist

A mixed collection -- some stunning, some fair

Robert L. Berkowitz | Natick, MA United States | 07/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this disc to get a copy of Alexander Serdar's astonishlngly beautiful performance of the Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise. I heard that recording on his EMI debut album which is currently out of stock, but picked this disc up in order to obtain it. I also reasoned that the other selections might be thoughtfully chosen recordings given that the recording company was wise enough to include Serdar's performance.Indeed, some of the recordings are incomparably beautiful. What stands out most are Serdar's Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise, Nelson Goerner's Barcarolle, Dmitri Alexeev's Waltz in E minor, Leif Ove Andsnes's Mazurka in A minor and Maria Tipo's Nocturne in C# minor. Serdar bowls me over with his ability to create a singing line. I do not know why he hasn't been more celebrated. The beauty of his tone is breathtaking. Similarly, Goerner, Andsnes and Alexeev play Chopin with a beautifully caressing tone. In all cases, their pedaling is masterly. Tipo's C minor nocturne is totally involved. Her piano is a bit brighter and therefore less warm, but the playing is vividly compelling. Tsimon Barto rounds out the welcome recordings on this disc by giving us a moving account of the E minor PreludeSome of the other recordings were either less interesting or downright disappointing. Cecile Ousset plays the Ballades probably in a French tradition of Chopin playing -- somewhat emotionally cool, though she pulls off the finales of both the first and second ballades with incredible aplomb. Weissenberg plays a nocturne and the famous E major etude, but his touch is much too percussive for this music. Maria Tipo's C minor nocturne seems just a bit self-indulgent. She takes a very slow tempo and seems to lose some concentration. I would have welcomed a warmer piano tone for this piece instead of the bright piano that her recording was made on.I recommend this recording both as a compilation of soothing Chopin and as an opportunity to hear a variety of artists bring their perspectives to Chopin's music. I bought this disc simply for Serdar's Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise, and found other pieces to enjoy. If you enjoy Chopin played in a singing legato way, there is much to enjoy here."