Maryla Jonas

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

Just dug out a couple of old LPs of hers (late 40s, early 50s Columbia 10") after years of neglect. These were among the first LPs I ever bought after I discovered the magic of this format in the early 90s. I knew she was extraordinary even then. I listened again recently and was blown away. I am not much of a Chopin fan really, but I do love the nocturnes, berceuse, and a few other pieces. If you want Chopin pyrotechnics, look elsewhere (I am a big fan of Michelangeli), but you will never hear more heartfelt performances and more beautiful tone on the nocturnes. Her piannissimos are the most delicate, perfect, and virtuosic you will ever hear in this repertoire.

She had a very tragic life--parents, husband, and brothers killed by the Nazis during the invasion of Poland. She fled to Brazil afterward and spent several months in an insane asylum. If it were not for her discovery by Artur Rubinstein, she would probably be totally unknown today. Although she is virtually unknown--another great performer whose work sadly did not make the transition to CD (except for the Pearl reissue, which I believe is out of print).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_EauEL-_oY

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

Sorry, meant for this to go in the Great Recordings forum! Mod--please remove.