{"itemData":[{"priceBreaksMAP":null,"buyingPrice":5.47,"ASIN":"B000031WBU","isPreorder":0},{"priceBreaksMAP":null,"buyingPrice":9.82,"ASIN":"B000031WBV","isPreorder":0},{"priceBreaksMAP":null,"buyingPrice":9.6,"ASIN":"B00004ZD5B","isPreorder":0}],"shippingId":"B000031WBU::sQzovxgXH4ah2XDIMLacM63Tnl%2FY7F5gV2Et3RBkigtEPgdkfcImTwT3zNYOOw%2BtjuEK8V8lMv2tD56A3QzKJaHIQG84aKnL,B000031WBV::2EcfWxx9GP0PwdHn1Npvx71jsi3nCxjN7CMa1FJiCgNBQhhwjmxLSO%2B7ddrzkb7T5IPBQZ1C3%2BzBr9x22q5cN3vMW6Z5FMir,B00004ZD5B::PBQeU%2B1nOgG5aHnf9%2FuM6ms3VLscte6Nxi%2FEWlzW11jtcUL7A40%2FhtXGQz8l40oGw71FuYV1LApl4OOr6XLOpWI2U80f5qloBiZfbViksLbnwek81Qy0gxNMlTQbKxDja9z5oP%2Bv8Ode%2BnMsYI4PeA%3D%3D","sprites":{"addToWishlist":["wl_one","wl_two","wl_three"],"addToCart":["s_addToCart","s_addBothToCart","s_add3ToCart"],"preorder":["s_preorderThis","s_preorderBoth","s_preorderAll3"]},"currenyCode":"GBP","shippingDetails":{"xz":"same","yz":"same","xy":"same","xyz":"same"},"tags":["x","y","z"],"strings":{"addToWishlist":[null,null,null],"addToCart":["Add to Basket","Add both to Basket","Add all three to Cart"],"showDetailsDefault":"Show availability and delivery details","shippingError":"An error occurred, please try again","hideDetailsDefault":"Hide availability and delivery details","priceLabel":["Price:","Price For Both:","Price For All Three:"],"preorder":["Pre-order this item","Pre-order both items","Pre-order all three items"]}}
Rubinstein’s interpretations of Chopin’s waltzes are considered by many to be the finest; they are also the performances that many will have grown up with. This disc certainly doesn’t disappoint – Rubinstein handles each waltz with vivacity and grace, tempo rubato being deployed with great understanding of the music (as one might expect from Rubinstein). People are likely to be more familiar with some of the waltzes than others, the famous ‘Grande Valse Brillante’ (Op. 18) and the ‘Minute’ (Op. 64 No. 1) being particularly well-known, for instance, but listening to each and every one of these pieces is a joy.
It says a great deal that the Impromptus, Fantaisie-Impromptu and the Boléro can be considered a very welcome bonus; it would be worth buying the disc for the waltzes alone. The Impromptus are performed with great aplomb, while the Boléro does not deserve to be considered a ‘minor work’. This digitally remastered disc is not only a wonderful addition to a record collection: it is an essential one.
Rubinstein's interpretation of these works still has ever-green freshness and noble grace. This latest remastering with 20 bit / Super CD Encoding has added more body and brilliance to the original, beautifully capturing subtlety and intricacy of his playing.
A beautiful CD with exquisite playing by the old master of Chopin. Just a delight from start to finish. I have a boxed set of the RCA recordings on 12" vinyl and although they are equally wonderful they are not without the odd unwanted noise. The CD seems unblemished in this respect. I also have the Nocturnes on CD and hope to acquire more of Rubinstein's output on that medium before too long. Five stars plus!