Best Chopin pianist?

[imageWIS]

Who was / is the best pianist top play Chopin?

Jon.

 

[Connemara]

Krystian Zimerman is really something else when it comes to Chopin. Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Italian, obviously) made some of the most beautiful Chopin recordings I've ever heard...definitely poetic.

Then, of course, there is the grand master. Vladimir Horowitz. While I think he did Scarlatti best, his Chopin is out of this world.

We need Koji to comment

 

[metaphysician]

Arrau, hands down.

 

[Thracozaag]

Some of my faves:

Kapell
Lipatti
Cortot
Friedmann
Rubinstein
Horowitz
Rubinstein
Malcuzyinski
Hofmann
Gilels


koji

 

[RJman]

I am a complete naif in this area, but what are your thoughts on Pollini?

 

[Thracozaag]

Originally Posted by RJman

I am a complete naif in this area, but what are your thoughts on Pollini?

I loved Pollini's playing early in his career (I have some etudes of his recorded live at the age of 14 and they're stunning--much better than his sterile studio recording), but for some reason, perhaps after studying with Michelangeli and wishing to emulate that type of playing, became very cold and boring for me. The last time I heard him live in nyc was a major disappointment. (Manton will vigorously disagree with me here).

koji

 

[Mr. Checks]

If I had to pick one it would be Rubenstein. As an added bonus, many of his recordings are now being remastered and issued in superior sound.

I also like Kissin and Moravec.

 

[Thracozaag]

Originally Posted by Mr. Checks

If I had to pick one it would be Rubenstein. As an added bonus, many of his recordings are now being remastered and issued in superior sound.

Since you like Ruby, I would highly recommend you get the Kapell volume from the complete RCA set with the Mazurkas and 2nd and 3rd sonatas; Kapell modeled his Chopin very much on that objective Rubinstein style, but with better technique.

koji

 

[designprofessor]

The band Mercury Rev does a good take, if you want it with a modern twist.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by RJman

I am a complete naif in this area, but what are your thoughts on Pollini?

Oh, no...here we go (luckily you didn't mention Schubert...).

Jon.

 

[Manton]

Pollini's Chopin is a little cold. It's one of the rare cases where I agree with the widespread criticism of Pollini. But his 1977 recording of the Beethoven late sonatas is my personal favorite marriage of performer and composer. Perfect!

 

[Ivan Kipling]

Any fans of Chopin would enjoy this movie. High camp, but extremely entertaining. Soaring, musical score . . .

 

[Dmax]

Athur Rubinstein is my favorite.

 

[Thracozaag]

Originally Posted by Ivan Kipling

Any fans of Chopin would enjoy this movie. High camp, but extremely entertaining. Soaring, musical score . . .

Paul Muni is my favorite actor, period.

koji

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Manton

Pollini's Chopin is a little cold. It's one of the rare cases where I agree with the widespread criticism of Pollini. But his 1977 recording of the Beethoven late sonatas is my personal favorite marriage of performer and composer. Perfect!

Complete agreement on the late Beethoven sonatas.

For Chopin, though, I recently re-visited Argerich's '65 recital and was hooked.