Outstanding value on early Rubenstein
R. M. Barge | Atlanta, GA USA | 10/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I listen to a fair amount of piano music but I'm no expert. I had only heard Rubenstein from his later years and did not realize what all the fuss was about until I heard him on this CD. The recordings are live and just full of fire and musical genius -- Rubenstein is still more restrained and refined than many, but unlike a lot of his later work his restraint does not dominate or mar the passion and sentimentality. The recording quality is not what you would get from a modern recording, but is adequate for some sheer sensory enjoyment.Michelangeli's rendition of the Chopin Berceuse is the best I have ever heard. 'Nuff said!I gave this 5 stars even though I don't like the Tipo or Cziffra cuts at all. My reason is that the rest of the recording is still a great value at $$$ -- the two cuts I didn't like are only @ 7 minutes or so."