suggestion of Frederic Chopin.......

[Odi_et_Amo]

Quote:

Originally posted by daycart1 ...The Pollini and Perahia Etudes are both controversial...

For controversial, check out György Cziffra's recording of the etudes on Philips.

Great performance, but it shouldn't be anyone's first recording of the 'tudes.

 

[Tom M]

I like listening to chopin's nocturnes while reading a good book at night. A collection of his nocturnes is a must.

 

[Mike Scarpitti]

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom M I like listening to chopin's nocturnes while reading a good book at night. A collection of his nocturnes is a must.

Just not for daytime listening.

 

[tmk]

For the best Chopin, see here, and here. In precisely that order.

Enjoy. I know I do.

 

[daycart1]

Quote:

Originally posted by Odi_et_Amo For controversial, check out György Cziffra's recording of the etudes on Philips. Great performance, but it shouldn't be anyone's first recording of the 'tudes.

I agree! Very interesting. I don't think there are as far out as some say, but you are right that it is not a "reference" recording. The Chesky-Wild recording mentioned by the Cap'n might be the best sonically. I think my current favorite for etudes is the EMI reissue of the second Arrau recording, though the sound is not as good as e.g. the Perahia.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

I second (third) the recommendations to at least one complete set of each of the Ballades and the Nocturnes. Rubinstein doesn't do half bad on these. And yes, I listen to them in the day. [size=xx-small]I am vampire, hear me snore.[/size] I have yet to hear a collection of the Nocturnes that I did not like.

I would also second the recommendations of his "larger" pieces (the sonatas and the concerti).