Search - Chopin, Olejniczak :: Poland (Box Set) - Chopin Polonaises and Mazurkas

These 1991 recordings feature the Polish pianist Janusz Olejniczak, a Chopin specialist. He plays with sensitivity and a genuine affinity for Chopin's nationalistic idioms, but his rhythm often lacks backbone and incisiveness. One misses the proud swagger and lilting, concentrated sense of line needed to make these works truly take wing. While Olejniczak's rubatos and agogic adjustments are never extreme or mannered, they tend to obscure rather than fortify the music's heartbeat. Arthur Rubinstein's red-blooded eloquence in this repertoire still reigns supreme. --Jed Distler