Artur Rubinstein Chopin: Scherzos & Polonaises

MONO · RECORDED IN 1928-1935 Arthur Rubinstein’s name is synonymous with the music of Chopin. These recordings, made between 1928 and 1937, show Rubinstein at a crucial stage in his development: in his memoirs he wrote of radically reworking his technique in 1934. Controlled yet spontaneous, exuding both elegance and intensity, Rubinstein’s Chopin is the expression of an apparently innate artistry: “I have always thought of myself as a musical instrument,” he said, “Music is my form.”

CD: 1

1. Scherzo for piano No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20, CT. 197
2. Scherzo for piano No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 31, CT. 198
3. Scherzo for piano No. 3 in C sharp minor, Op. 39, CT. 199
4. Scherzo for piano No. 4 in E major, Op. 54, CT. 200
5. Barcarolle for piano in F sharp major, Op. 60, CT. 6
6. Berceuse for piano in D flat major, Op. 57, CT. 7
7. Waltz for piano No. 2 in A flat major, Op. 34/1, CT. 208
8. Waltz for piano No. 7 in C sharp minor, Op. 64/2, CT. 213

CD: 2

1. Polonaises (2) for piano, Op. 26, CT. 150-151 No. 1 in C sharp minor
2. Polonaises (2) for piano, Op. 26, CT. 150-151 No. 2 in E flat minor
3. Polonaises (2) for piano, Op. 40, CT. 152-153 No. 1 in A major "Militaire"
4. Polonaises (2) for piano, Op. 40, CT. 152-153 No. 2 in C minor
5. Polonaise for piano No. 5 in F sharp minor, Op. 44, CT. 154
6. Polonaise for piano No. 6 in A flat major ("Héroique"), Op. 53, CT. 155
7. Polonaise-fantasy for piano No. 7 in A flat major, Op. 61, CT. 156
8. Andante spianato and grande polonaise for piano & orchestra, Op. 22