Frédéric Chopin: Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 55, No. 2

[ando]

Old chestnut with two fine interpretations. The first is a fairly famous version by a 20th century master -

Arthur Rubinstein

and the second is a live version (starting at 3:30) by a wunderkind whose life/career was cut short at age 31 -

William Kapell

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Old chestnut with two fine interpretations. The first is a fairly famous version by a 20th century master -

Arthur Rubinstein

and the second is a live version (starting at 3:30) by a wunderkind whose life/career was cut short at age 31 -

William Kapell

I don't know the Kapell recording, but love that boxed set of Rubinstein's recordings. 

PD

p.s.  I'm a big fan of the Chopin recordings that I've heard with Ivan Moravec.  Have you heard any of those Ando?

[ando]

I don't know the Kapell recording, but love that boxed set of Rubinstein's recordings. 

PD

p.s.  I'm a big fan of the Chopin recordings that I've heard with Ivan Moravec.  Have you heard any of those Ando?

No, I haven't listened to the Moravec recordings, PD, but I'm adding them to my library at your suggestion. Giving his take on No. 16 a go now. I feel Moravec has a different aim in mind than, for instance, Kapell (above), who approached the piece like a pas de deux; whereas Moravec is taking all kinds of liberties in the name of a sweet rememberance. It's beautiful. Thanks for the rec!

[Pohjolas Daughter]

No, I haven't listened to the Moravec recordings, PD, but I'm adding them to my library at your suggestion. Giving his take on No. 16 a go now. I feel Moravec has a different aim in mind than, for instance, Kapell (above), who approached the piece like a pas de deux; whereas Moravec is taking all kinds of liberties in the name of a sweet rememberance. It's beautiful. Thanks for the rec!

I'm glad that you enjoyed it.  One of my favorite discs is this one (on Hanssler):  Ivan Moravic:  Live in Prague.  Are you familiar with Janacek's piano music?  There are some pieces on this album.  In any event, I love it overall.

Bad link.  It's "Ivan Moravec Live in Prague" on Hanssler.

PD

[Holden]

The Moravec Nocturnes are outstanding and stand alongside the Rubinstein for me. No unnecessary rubato, beautifully nuanced recordings that just speak to me.