Search - Artur Rubinstein, Chopin, Saint-Saens :: Great Pianists 86

A "Must Have" CD

gpeterso@mail.tds.net | Wilmot, New Hampshire | 07/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the second volume of three devoted to the great pianist, Artur Rubinstein. While volume one focused exclusively on Chopin, this second volume features piano concertos by Chopin, Grieg, Saint-Saens, Schumann and Tchaikovsky. The remastered sound is excellent, and Rubinstein has never been in better form. I've collected almost 25 volumes in Phillips' "Great Pianists" series, and this is by far the very best. Any lover of classical music should consider this CD essential to their collection."

Tension without neurosis!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 05/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
To talk about Artur Rubinstein is to refer us to a bygone time. In which together with Horowitz, supported almost an entire generation of different approach respect the music. Rubinstein's pianism was always much warm than Horowitz, whose pianism was if I may more diabolic and disturbing.



Despite all the facts, Rubinstein was far to be simple romantic artist, it might be said he even revitalized that concept, bestowing it of radiant elegance, affirmative tension, mercurial exuberance and new airs of lyric breathe. His interpretations were always motive of passionate and fervent praises.



During the thirties, his career experienced a twist of fate. Hebegan to wonder and at the same time worrying about the repertoire that eventually would consolidate him in the future. His performances, loaded of visceral emotion, were loaded of nervous introspectiveness and glimpses of sensuality.



You may realize, he was one the few occidental pianists who incorporated his repertoire Saint Saens ` Second Piano Concerto, so underrated for many pianists for ideological principles. This performance is vigorous, resplendent and enigmatic, filled of color and poetic ardor.



The Schumann `s Piano Concerto in his hands acquire renovated splendor, and although this Grieg has always been regarded with encomiast praises, I rather prefer the alternate version under Dorati' s conduction.



In sum, an album of collection that shows us the minimum facet of this legendary artist."