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The Music Room => Great Recordings and Reviews => Topic started by: jwinter on August 02, 2012, 12:07:21 PM

Title: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 02, 2012, 12:07:21 PM
So, what are your favorite recordings of Chopin's mazurkas?  Either the whole shebang or selections.

Rubinstein's last set has always been my favorite.  On the shelf I have Rubinstein x 3, Ashkenazy, Francois, Harasiewicz, and Ohlsson for complete sets, plus healthy selections from Richter, Perlemuter, and a few others (working from memory here).  What favorite recordings of yours am I missing?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Sammy on August 02, 2012, 12:20:44 PM
One of my favorites that you're missing comes from Jean-Marc Luisada.  Originally on DG, his set is now available on Newton Classics.  The man's playing is quite unique, concentrating more on detail than flow.


[asin]B004AB2FB2[/asin]
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: North Star on August 02, 2012, 12:26:03 PM
Quote from: Sammy on August 02, 2012, 12:20:44 PM
One of my favorites that you're missing comes from Jean-Marc Luisada.  Originally on DG, his set is now available on Newton Classics.  The man's playing is quite unique, concentrating more on detail than flow.


[asin]B004AB2FB2[/asin]
His newer recording is nice, too. Details are very much the concern there, too.
[asin]B003D1218M[/asin]
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Todd on August 02, 2012, 12:34:50 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51gBxFQGigL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)  (http://www.propiano.com/photos/224507.jpg)


(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2BtEssJFqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41E20PKKNVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: The Raven on August 02, 2012, 12:43:35 PM
I think that rubinstein's 1965-66 recordings(volume 50 of the set) are not only the best mazurkas they're one of the greatest piano recordings of all time. rubinstein, ohlsson and harasiewicz sets should do for everyone but there are many beautiful selections such as argerich, horowitz, bunin and michelangeli. if you listen to mono recordings the best should be the poles friedman and rosenthal.

do you have a favorite op 22? I'm probing Op 22s recently.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 02, 2012, 12:57:04 PM
Quote from: jwinter on August 02, 2012, 12:07:21 PM
So, what are your favorite recordings of Chopin's mazurkas?  Either the whole shebang or selections.

Rubinstein's last set has always been my favorite.  On the shelf I have Rubinstein x 3, Ashkenazy, Francois, Harasiewicz, and Ohlsson for complete sets, plus healthy selections from Richter, Perlemuter, and a few others (working from memory here).  What favorite recordings of yours am I missing?

Gerard Hoffnung comes to mind straight away

http://www.youtube.com/v/Ip7sd4yYYCA


Why do you like the last Rubinstein set the most? Do you enjoy old recordings? The answers to these questions will help me give you a better answer tomorrow.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Ataraxia on August 02, 2012, 03:59:53 PM
Quote from: George on August 02, 2012, 03:36:53 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wAGetUYqL.jpg)

In fact, I am now enjoying Rubinstein's first complete set of Mazurkas, recorded in 1938-39. Transfers by Ward Marston.

It's on Spotify too. Thanks, George.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 02, 2012, 04:09:33 PM
I have all 3 sets of Rubinstein's Mazurkas, indeed it's great stuff (that's one reason I passed on the big Rubinstein box -- I've already got all of his Chopin).

Which Luisada would you recommend - the older one or the new one?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 02, 2012, 04:26:15 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on Today at 04:57:04 PM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=20796.msg649167#msg649167)
Why do you like the last Rubinstein set the most? Do you enjoy old recordings? The answers to these questions will help me give you a better answer tomorrow.

Old recordings are fine -- I love the Cortot Chopin that I've heard, and greatly enjoy Rubinstein's 1930's mazurkas & nocturnes.

It's hard to describe why I like Rubinstein's mazurkas so much.  I like them for their lyrical quality, for how they project a deep sense of Romanticism without becoming mushy or sentimental.  I love the way he makes the melodies flow so naturally, nothing sounds contrived or forced, like the notes are just falling off his fingers.  His tone is beautiful, soft or vigorous as necessary but never harsh, and it's beautifully recorded.  And this is largely in my own head, I know, but I can't help but hear a certain nostalgic, autumnal quality in the 1960s recording, as if these are works he's thought about for a very long time, and he knows that this may be his last chance to capture his reading for posterity, so he wants to do it just right, nothing eccentric, just Chopin as he feels it should be played.

Does that make sense?  But I'm not looking for something just like Rubinstein, as I know I won't find it.  Rather, something contrasting, interesting, unusual -- I'm really pretty open...   
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: North Star on August 02, 2012, 05:38:07 PM
I don't know Luisada's DG recording too well, but after sampling it from Spotify, I'd recommend the RCA recording. First of all, the sound quality is awesome, no hardness whatsoever, and the reverberation isn't too strong, either. "[T]he most realistic recording of a piano I've heard" writes a reviewer at Amazon (R. Steiger, his whole review is quite insightful).
Second, well, it's just a great recording, treating each opus as a unity. Dance-like, but not necessarily danceable, and certainly very free playing.

From the later recording's liner notes (of course it wouldn't be expected that he would only sing the DG recording's praises, but I don't think he'd record the mazurkas again if he didn't think he'd have some valuable things to say in them.)
Quote
"At the time when DG asked me to record all the mazurkas I hadn't actually played more than a few of them. And the recording had to be done in only a few months. So I learned them very quickly, and while there was certainly something spontaneous about the playing, for me something was definitely missing. Since then, though, the mazurkas, as I say, have been a part of my life. I've played them many times, often as a complete cycle, in a single two-and-a-half hour concert."
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 02, 2012, 11:09:15 PM
Quote from: jwinter on August 02, 2012, 04:26:15 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on Today at 04:57:04 PM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=20796.msg649167#msg649167)
Why do you like the last Rubinstein set the most? Do you enjoy old recordings? The answers to these questions will help me give you a better answer tomorrow.

Old recordings are fine -- I love the Cortot Chopin that I've heard, and greatly enjoy Rubinstein's 1930's mazurkas & nocturnes.

It's hard to describe why I like Rubinstein's mazurkas so much.  I like them for their lyrical quality, for how they project a deep sense of Romanticism without becoming mushy or sentimental.  I love the way he makes the melodies flow so naturally, nothing sounds contrived or forced, like the notes are just falling off his fingers.  His tone is beautiful, soft or vigorous as necessary but never harsh, and it's beautifully recorded.  And this is largely in my own head, I know, but I can't help but hear a certain nostalgic, autumnal quality in the 1960s recording, as if these are works he's thought about for a very long time, and he knows that this may be his last chance to capture his reading for posterity, so he wants to do it just right, nothing eccentric, just Chopin as he feels it should be played.

Does that make sense?  But I'm not looking for something just like Rubinstein, as I know I won't find it.  Rather, something contrasting, interesting, unusual -- I'm really pretty open...

You may find Luisada on DG a bit more self conscious. I would recommend Jacob Flier's if you want all of them by one artist

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41C2GE7EoFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

But why do that? The best performances are scattered around and played by people who just selected a few mazurkas. First  and foremost I would listen to all the mazurka recordings  made by Sofronitsky . See what you think.

And Michelangeli and Malcuzynski. They'r not all equally good, but it would take me some time to pick out the ones which I thought were outstanding.   

Also Pogorelich and Argerich and Virssaladze and Ciani and Kapell and Sirota and Cherkassky and Richter and some of the records Moravec did too.  And if you don't mind bad sound and you're interested in the history, why not try some Jonas or Friedman?

I think that's a more interesting thing to do than buy a single complete survey of them.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 02, 2012, 11:50:37 PM
Here's Pollini in OP 33/3

http://www.youtube.com/v/yweyB8lI7kY

And here's Michelangeli in the same mazurka

http://www.youtube.com/v/bmDJ857s4Xs

And here's Rubinstein

http://www.youtube.com/v/V9xVR5k6r_w

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 04:26:49 AM
Thanks, Mandryka!  Much obliged!

I agree that individual mazurkas may well be the way to go at this point, rather than complete sets of them.  The sets that I have are pretty much all parts of large Chopin box sets -- and while I have lots of pianist's takes on the preludes or nocturnes or etudes, I've never really done much exploring though the mazurkas since I've always found Rubinstein so satisfying.  It was a matter of love at first spin, so to speak; I guess I'm just feeling the 7-year-itch...  ;D
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 04:32:27 AM
 Quote from: North Star on August 02, 2012, 09:38:07 PM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=20796.msg649225#msg649225)
I don't know Luisada's DG recording too well, but after sampling it from Spotify, I'd recommend the RCA recording...
 
Hmmm, thanks for this.  I was leaning towards the DG since it's cheaper, but now I'll have to ponder.  Life is never simple... ;D
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 04:35:17 AM
Quote from: Todd on August 02, 2012, 12:34:50 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51gBxFQGigL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)  (http://www.propiano.com/photos/224507.jpg)


(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2BtEssJFqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41E20PKKNVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)


I actually have the Moravec disc with the Debussy, I'll have to give that a spin this evening!  Come to think of it, I may have more mazurkas on my shelves than I think I do, scattered about -- I'll have to rummage around this weekend.

I've never heard of Michel Block, thanks for the tip. 
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 03, 2012, 06:45:14 AM
Unfortunately that Morvec CD with the Debussy doesn't have the best of his mazurkas, I would say. For that you need to go to the CD with the Chopin Scherzos, and the live CD from Brussels, released a couple of years ago.

Do try that collection of mazurkas from Pollini that I found on youtube, from London in 2008. i've been enjoying it all day.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 06:49:29 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on August 03, 2012, 06:45:14 AM
Unfortunately that Morvec CD with the Debussy doesn't have the best of his mazurkas, I would say. For that you need to go to the CD with the Chopin Scherzos, and the live CD from Brussels, released a couple of years ago.

Do try that collection of mazurkas from Pollini that I found on youtube, from London in 2008. i've been enjoying it all day.

I will definitely try it this evening -- can't youtube at work, alas...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 07:33:38 AM
I'm temping -- you get what you pay for  ;D
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Bogey on August 03, 2012, 08:19:08 AM
Just for fun, what are your thoughts on the three Mazurkas on this disc:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MxHJNTY1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Bogey on August 03, 2012, 08:46:21 AM
Thanks to JW's thread here and a rec from Miloš, I just submitted my request to Amazon for this, which gives me about a fifth:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AMwJ3ksFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

This is the second cd from my request of folks from their top two, stone-cold-lead-pipe-lock-pay $50 for it, if you have to---must have on your shelf and if you do not, you cannot call yourself a fan of Chopin cds. 

If you have not added to this list of Chopin cds I need to purchase, please do so with a IM to me.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 09:08:44 AM
 Quote from: Bogey on Today at 12:46:21 PM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=20796.msg649376#msg649376)
Thanks to JW's thread here and a rec from Miloš, I just submitted my request to Amazon for this, which gives me about a fifth:

>(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AMwJ3ksFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

This is the second cd from my request of folks from their top two, stone-cold-lead-pipe-lock-pay $50 for it, if you have to---must have on your shelf and if you do not, you cannot call yourself a fan of Chopin cds. 

If you have not added to this list of Chopin cds I need to purchase, please do so with a IM to me.
   
Hey, waitaminnit!   $:)

I've actually got this one!   :D   I got it several years ago as part of this set:

[asin]B00006YXP0[/asin]

Yippee!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Drasko on August 03, 2012, 10:56:00 AM
Rubinstein II is my go-to set for Mazurkas. Other than that Friedman, Sofronitsky, Jonas, Michelangeli, and Wasowski in very small doses. I'm not huge fan of Luisada (DG/Newton).

http://www.amazon.com/Ignaz-Friedman-Complete-Recordings-Vol/dp/B00007FKPZ
http://www.amazon.com/Vladimir-Sofronitsky-plays-Chopin-CD/dp/B0058TK02G
http://www.amazon.com/Piano-Masters-Maryla-Frederic-Chopin/dp/B00004RDZF
http://www.amazon.com/Chopin-51-Mazurkas-Andrzej-Wasowski/dp/B0000006TD
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Herman on August 03, 2012, 11:21:36 AM
Quote from: jwinter on August 02, 2012, 04:26:15 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on Today at 04:57:04 PM (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=20796.msg649167#msg649167)
Why do you like the last Rubinstein set the most? Do you enjoy old recordings? The answers to these questions will help me give you a better answer tomorrow.

It's hard to describe why I like Rubinstein's mazurkas so much.  I like them for their lyrical quality, for how they project a deep sense of Romanticism without becoming mushy or sentimental.  I love the way he makes the melodies flow so naturally, nothing sounds contrived or forced, like the notes are just falling off his fingers.  His tone is beautiful, soft or vigorous as necessary but never harsh, and it's beautifully recorded.  And this is largely in my own head, I know, but I can't help but hear a certain nostalgic, autumnal quality in the 1960s recording, as if these are works he's thought about for a very long time, and he knows that this may be his last chance to capture his reading for posterity, so he wants to do it just right, nothing eccentric, just Chopin as he feels it should be played.

Some of these stereo mazurkas are extraordinary, but in general I prefer Rubinstein's middle (mono LP) recording. Of course there's nostalgia in the music, but I don't think we should overdose on the autumnal aspect.

There's an amazing Sofronitsky recital with a string of mazurkas and waltzes that is just indispensible.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 11:33:59 AM
Yep, I seem to be in the minority, preferring the Rubinstein stereo to the 1950's mono set.  It may just be a matter of greater familiarity -- I will definitely give the mono set a serious re-listen soon.

Agree that the autumnal thing can be overdone -- you hear it all the time, for instance about Bruno Walter's Columbia Symphony recordings.  But it's a useful verbal crutch for me when trying to describe how I hear these:  there's a certain aristocratic quality about them, a slight reticence and holding back in the dancing melody that enhances rather than diminishes the experience; as I said, it's a purely gut-level reaction, so it's hard to describe...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Herman on August 03, 2012, 11:39:18 AM
Quote from: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 11:33:59 AM
Yep, I seem to be in the minority, preferring the Rubinstein stereo to the 1950's mono set.  It may just be a matter of greater familiarity -- I will definitely give the mono set a serious re-listen soon.


well, I really prefer both. There are a bunch of pieces on the stereo set that are just stunningly beautiful. The great thing about having these three different sets (and the same goes for all of his Chopin) it prevents you from always listening to the same stuff.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 03, 2012, 01:18:32 PM
I think the best of Michelangeli's Mazurkas are on Aura rather than on DG, this CD for example:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31L12TMcFvL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

I have it as CD 8 of the big cheap brown  box.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Sammy on August 03, 2012, 01:23:29 PM
Quote from: Drasko on August 03, 2012, 10:56:00 AM
I'm not huge fan of Luisada (DG/Newton).

Neither am I, being of medium-build. ;D
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Lisztianwagner on August 03, 2012, 01:26:35 PM
I think my favourite recording of the mazurkas is the Ashkenazy: extremely passionate, intense and elegant. Anyway, I have to admit that it's a hard contest between this and Rubinstein's interpretation....

[asin]B00000427T[/asin]
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Bogey on August 03, 2012, 03:28:14 PM
I just ran through Artie's '65 Mazurkas today....some twice.  He is just one of those cats that I dig no matter the recording.  The set for $24 is still one of the best bargains....ever! 

[asin]B000026OW3[/asin]

Even if he is not in your top few, it is nuts to pass on the box.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: kishnevi on August 03, 2012, 05:22:51 PM
Quote from: Bogey on August 03, 2012, 03:28:14 PM
I just ran through Artie's '65 Mazurkas today....some twice.  He is just one of those cats that I dig no matter the recording.  The set for $24 is still one of the best bargains....ever! 

[asin]B000026OW3[/asin]

Even if he is not in your top few, it is nuts to pass on the box.

It isn't nuts if, like me, you already have most of what's in that box.  I think I only lack the sonatas and the mazurkas from what is in there. 

I did notice that the stereo recording of the Nocturnes--my favorite Chopin recording, period-- is on its own ridiculously cheap--under $16--if you don't want the full box.
[asin]B000031WBV[/asin]
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 06:31:45 PM
I actually just ran across another bunch of Mazurkas I didn't realize I had -- Janusz Olejniczak, which came bundled with the Sokolov Preludes I ordered a while back.  More fun to explore.

Speaking of exploring, my sincere thanks to the kind member who gave me a chance to preview the first Luisada.  :D   I shall give them a listen as well over the weekend and report back...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Todd on August 03, 2012, 06:41:51 PM
Quote from: jwinter on August 03, 2012, 04:35:17 AMI've never heard of Michel Block, thanks for the tip.



If ever you go for Block, go for the ProPiano recording first.  (The Guild recording is very slow.)  Do remember that Rubinstein himself created the Rubinstein prize on the spot for Michel Block in 1960 when he did not win the Chopin compeition.  (Pollini won.)

Ever heard that Michelangeli sought a sound of organ and violin?  Block largely achieves it.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 03, 2012, 10:18:58 PM
A couple of other excellent Michelangeli mazurka recordings which I'd forgotten about yesterday:

(http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4847433883583859&id=0447e4537dc8a82070191fd4eb206ae2) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RGD1WCEZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Bogey on August 04, 2012, 05:20:10 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on August 03, 2012, 05:22:51 PM
It isn't nuts if, like me, you already have most of what's in that box.  I think I only lack the sonatas and the mazurkas from what is in there. 

I did notice that the stereo recording of the Nocturnes--my favorite Chopin recording, period-- is on its own ridiculously cheap--under $16--if you don't want the full box.
[asin]B000031WBV[/asin]

Get the box....pass on the others to friends! :D  In fact, I did just that with the nocturnes that you posted above.  I hear you though when it comes to deciding on box sets that you have the majority of.
Title: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: pbarach on August 05, 2012, 06:47:36 PM
I have Wasowski's set (as well as his Nocturnes). But they seem erratic and wayward to no positive end. I would choose Friedman and Jonas as well as Rubinstein 1965.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Bogey on August 05, 2012, 06:50:48 PM
This is obviously turning into "you better have a few sets on the shelf to even comment", so I will take myself out of the "what to buy" discussion and just start buying more....and then comment after listening.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Bogey on August 06, 2012, 04:18:45 PM
Listened to the three Mazurkas offered by Argerich....thanks to George. 8)  I enjoyed her playing more than the Rubinstein.  Unfortunately it seems that these are the only ones that she recorded....is this correct?  She brings an elegance, if not nobility to them that I just latched on to.  (Let alone the Preludes).  It was truly a pleasure.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 07, 2012, 12:09:58 AM
What did you listen to , the three Op59s? 

A couple of years ago DG released her playing a whole bunch more here:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kczZhIA1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

By the way, if you have been listening to her play op 59, the logical thing to do now is to seek out Pogorelich's record of them -- Argerich was herself very impressed by the way he plays them.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Bogey on August 07, 2012, 06:59:39 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on August 07, 2012, 12:09:58 AM
What did you listen to , the three Op59s? 

A couple of years ago DG released her playing a whole bunch more here:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kczZhIA1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

By the way, if you have been listening to her play op 59, the logical thing to do now is to seek out Pogorelich's record of them -- Argerich was herself very impressed by the way he plays them.

Yes, the Op. 59 run.  Thanks for the lead on the cd and the Pogorelich.  Any recording you suggest?  It also looks as if the Op. 59 I have from this cd:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Y4GEXMQ5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

is a different recording than the one on the cd you posted.  Is that correct?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: The Raven on August 07, 2012, 07:14:30 AM
George, my wife makes me ask if that's you and if yes, are they real? :-[
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 07, 2012, 07:39:04 AM
The Argerich op 59s I like the most are live (I think) in 1965, this one:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hF8Jvz3dL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

I don't know if it's the same. I don't think so. I'll check when I'm at home.

The Pogorelich is IMO superior to the Argerich, but many wouldn't agree. It's here, but this may be very hard to find. If people want it I can upload it easily enough

(http://pixhost.me/avaxhome/ee/8d/000e8dee_medium.jpeg)

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: The Raven on August 07, 2012, 09:27:14 AM
Quote from: Bogey on August 07, 2012, 06:59:39 AM


(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Y4GEXMQ5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

is a different recording than the one on the cd you posted.  Is that correct?

Those were recorded in 1967 at Akademie der Wissenschaft in Munich

Quote from: Mandryka on August 07, 2012, 07:39:04 AM


(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hF8Jvz3dL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)


and those in 1965 at EMI Abbey Road Studios in London.

Quote from: Mandryka on August 07, 2012, 12:09:58 AM

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kczZhIA1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)


Finally, those are previously unreleased german radio recordings in 1967 at WDR in Cologne.

The dates are only for Op. 59/1-3
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Bogey on August 07, 2012, 10:52:21 AM
Very helpful.  Thanks for the footwork, gents.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 03, 2012, 01:33:20 AM
There's a very good transfer of Jonas's Mazurkas here -- much better than the transfer on Pearl.

http://randomclassics.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=maryla

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on September 03, 2012, 08:02:46 AM
New this month on Avie Records:

(http://i.prs.to/t_200/avieav2262.jpg)

A new recording of Russell Sherman playing the mazurkas!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Todd on September 03, 2012, 08:18:09 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 03, 2012, 08:02:46 AM
New this month on Avie Records:

(http://i.prs.to/t_200/avieav2262.jpg)

A new recording of Russell Sherman playing the mazurkas!


Hot damn!  Added to my cart.  How will his octogenarian fingers fare?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 03, 2012, 11:42:07 AM
Quote from: George on September 03, 2012, 11:05:03 AM
Actually, I like the Pearl more. More noise, but more high frequency info. The download to me sounds muffled.

Are they the same performances?
Title: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: pbarach on September 03, 2012, 06:32:58 PM
I had the Jonas mazurkas on 78s. The Pearl transfers have rumble and hiss, and they sound like the 78s.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 10, 2012, 11:25:28 PM
I listened to some of the OP 68/2s I've managed to accumulate.

I could see a sort of family resemblance, or maybe just points of influence,  between what  Sherman makes of it  and Wasowski's record. And maybe Ignaz  Friedmnan too.

The most moving examples I could find were from the usual suspects -- Sofronitsky in 1946 on Denon, Rubinstein's mono, Michelangeli on Brown Aura and Sokolov. The Michelangeli was particularly attractive I thought -- a good combination of foot and head, peasant dance and spiritual elevation.

(http://c3.cduniverse.ws/resized/250x500/music/544/1258544.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 11, 2012, 06:17:21 AM
It's in the Brown Aura box -- it's just too much of a fag to find the CD for the dates. It's all ripped and the box itself is in the attic, somewhere . . .
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 25, 2014, 01:09:34 AM
Some recent mazurka discoveries, responses collected here really so I don't lose them.

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2010/Sept10/perlemuter_chopin%20mazurkas_5393.jpg)

Perlemuter, more than anyone else I've heard, including Rosen, makes the music sound contrapuntally and harmonically adventurous and experimental. The disonance he produces, in the central sections, presumably by staggering the voices slighly and using the pedal, is totally unexpected.

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/189/MI0003189260.jpg)

Block makes the music sound ambiguous. On the one hand it's political, music which is teaming with patriotic anthems and calls to the fight. On the other it if full of all sorts of ineffable, autumnal feelings, wistfulness. 

Block is from the beautiful tone school of piano playing - burnished, legato, impeccable execution, flowing, rounded, colourful. Despite this, the ambiguity makes these great poetry, as William Empson would have said, and I think this is a magnificent recording.

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/176/MI0001176794.jpg)

Frenczy's touch and timbre is like nothing I can remember hearing, the style is dainty almost, delicate certainly. But I don't think it's trivialising - just listen to what he does with op 17/4! He has all the rhythmic allure of Landowska and Gould. The performances are quite positive emotionally - for Ferenczy these mazurkas are about life. And there's a subtle eneffable emotional undertone - rather introspective, I can't find the words to say more about it.

(http://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/76/76/3610155277676_600.jpg)

Another special recording is by Paul von Schilhawsky. Dramatic, colourful, lots of kick, these are some of the least salon style, most dancing, mazurkas I've heard. But it's much more than dancing, Schilhawsky has a distinctive introspective side to his music making - they always seem to touch strange emotions.

I think. I may not feel the same about these ones tomorrow.

Another thing I feel, I don't know if others will agree, is that these recordings benefit from being substantial selections rather than integrals. Part of the art of making a good mazurka performance is to make a selection which fits your style. I get much much more stimulation from these CDs than I do from the compete sets that I've heard.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Herman on November 26, 2014, 12:06:40 AM
Sofronitsky's A minor mazurka (68 / 2) is great, in that he doesn't turn it into this washed out perpetuum mobile some performers make it. Just because it has this late opus number doesn't mean Chopin wrote it with death on his mind.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: North Star on November 26, 2014, 12:32:02 AM
Quote from: Herman on November 26, 2014, 12:06:40 AM
Sofronitsky's A minor mazurka (68 / 2) is great, in that he doesn't turn it into this washed out perpetuum mobile some performers make it. Just because it has this late opus number doesn't mean Chopin wrote it with death on his mind.
I haven't heard anyone do that to it, thank goodness.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Pat B on November 26, 2014, 08:08:48 AM
Quote from: Herman on November 26, 2014, 12:06:40 AM
Sofronitsky's A minor mazurka (68 / 2) is great, in that he doesn't turn it into this washed out perpetuum mobile some performers make it. Just because it has this late opus number doesn't mean Chopin wrote it with death on his mind.

According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazurkas_(Chopin)) (risky, I know...) that one was written in 1827, making it one of his earliest. It was published posthumously.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 26, 2014, 09:25:47 AM
There are at least two op 68/2s by Sofronitsky -- a studio from 1947 and a live which I tagged as being from a 1949 concert, sounds like it was an encore. They're not the same in terms of conception.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 26, 2014, 12:19:11 PM
(http://www.hbdirect.com/coverm/90/680590.jpg)

This recording contains, amongst other things, 13 mazurkas recorded, I believe, in 1990. The one cited by me above contains 39 mazurkas, recorded I think in 1996. There is some overlap. The performamces are quite different. The earlier is more playful, it suffers from a more agresive piano, and so far it's not excited my imagination as much as the later one.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Herman on November 26, 2014, 11:12:36 PM
Quote from: Pat B on November 26, 2014, 08:08:48 AM
According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazurkas_(Chopin)) (risky, I know...) that one was written in 1827, making it one of his earliest. It was published posthumously.

I know. A lot of these very late opus nrs (such as the E minor nocturne) are really very early works.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 27, 2014, 08:32:30 AM
Quote from: Scherzian on November 26, 2014, 10:26:46 AM
Yes, three of them actually.  The earliest one is an August 27, 1947 studio recording (on Arlecchino ARL 95, Denon COCO-80815 = COCQ-83672, and Russian Compact Disc RCD 16288).  There are two live recordings of 68/2:  October 20, 1949 and November 21, 1949.  October is on Denon COCO-80149/50 = COCQ-83968/9 and on Vista Vera VVCD-00118-2.  November is on these Denon and Vista Vera CD's, and also on Arkadia 78571, Brilliant Classics BRIL 8975 (CD No.4), Originals SH 858, Palladio PD 4131, and The Piano Library PL 282.  Timings:  2'42 (1947), 2'07 (October 1949), 2'26 (November 1949), but it depends on the editor's handling of the applause.

Was the period between 1947 and 1949 one where he was generally acively revising his interpreations, or is it just something that happens for this one mazurka, or is it explicable by the difference between studio and live (that would be very interesting) or is it that he was always pretty capricious or what?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 27, 2014, 09:41:29 AM
OK, how about a game of Mystery Pianist? This is the mazurka op 59/1. Comments about the performance appreciated too.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_X2GimjrvdPZ3hBNnhOTk81b1k/view?usp=sharing
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: kishnevi on November 27, 2014, 11:04:00 AM
Have no idea of the pianist.  The overall feeling interests me....more like a nocturne, nothing danceable except perhaps in a daydream.  The autumnal wistful feel you mentioned relative to Block is definitely present...so definite that if it is him, there is none of that ambiguity, the extrovert feeling, you also mentioned in connection with him.  This is a very introverted version.

Hmmm, you mentioned Schilhawsky as being introspective.  Is it him?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 27, 2014, 08:36:01 PM
No, it's not by any of those pianists. But more importantly thanks for noting your impressions. I'm really interested in whether people think it's a great interpretation, or just a bit of hack work.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 27, 2014, 09:16:48 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FoTXNBRBL.jpg)

Piotr Andersewsky plays just half a dozen mazurkas - op 59 and op 63. The performances of the op 59s  made me prick up my ears because of the way he contrasts, within each dance, gentle and lyrical passages and more dramatic and explosive passages. That unexpected mood swing is a sort of basic Chopin semantic unit - and Andsersewky is outstanding at managing it.

His Op 63s are particularly personal, I'm not sure I like them.

He also plays op 68/4 very dreamily.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 29, 2014, 09:40:39 AM
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/426/MI0003426625.jpg)

Tamas Vasary plays 5 mazurkas folk dance style - fun, light entertainment, performances to cheer you up.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51w1BM%2By-UL._SY300_.jpg)

Youra Guller plays some mazurkas. Imaginative and very natural, unforced sounding performances which somehow never seem to quite take off or say anything special to me, I'm afraid.

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_250/MI0001/034/MI0001034767.jpg)

Alexis Weisenberg plays three mazurkas. These performances certainly do take off. The high level of commitment and focus is, to me, very clearly communicated. He proposes an aggressive, edgy, tough and explosive vision of the music. Not conventionally beautiful, not lyrical. Is that a problem? I don't think so. I like what he does because I can hear his commitment and intensity and sincerity.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mzeYdS17L._SY300_.jpg)

A larger selection of mazurkas this time from William Kapell. Impeccable. Extremely natural rubato, tempo, rhythm. Everything just right, and yet, somehow, it's not faceless playing. He was sometimes criticised for being a perfectionist and hence a bit too cautious sounding, but not here - nothing cautious here.

What it lacks is bittersweet melancholy, wistfulness, yearning, zal. For me that's a deal breaker.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 02, 2014, 12:30:27 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Uc3wHcqfL.jpg)

Bruno Rigutto plays a selection of mazurkas.

Free association concepts - testosterone. cocktail bar. free weights in at the gym, macho stallion.

Brash romantic gestures, burnished beautiful sounds, huge dynamic contrasts, extrovert, no real sense of meloncholy, strong dance rhythms. Yuch.

But . . . this guy Rigutto means it. The sense of inspired total concentration and sheer fire is irresistable.

So bad it's good.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LmQYyZJtL._SY300_.jpg)

Evgeny Kissin plays a selection of mazurkas in the studio. Immaculate and tasteful dance based performances, not very emotionally interesting, and not very peasant, but still, quite sublime for what they are.

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 04, 2014, 08:21:40 AM
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTM3OVgxNDE5/z/NScAAOxydlFS9pTh/$_35.JPG)

Gabor Csalog plays all the Mazurkas. Very authoritative and imaginative performances, which somehow combines a stong mazurka kick, a good feel for how to make the rubato organic, an approach which isn't overly perfumed or overly heavy,  and a real sensitivity to the bittersweet elelent, the zal. I don't know what piano he uses - could well be a an old Erard or Pleyel. I like this - it may deserve a place in the top drawer of complete mazurka recordings - along with Indjic and Flier.

Csalog is a mover and shaker in the world of Chopin studies, he has published an urtext of the mazurkas. The informed approach pays off - as so often the case.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on June 23, 2015, 09:34:15 AM
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/002/MI0001002151.jpg)

Andrzej Wasowski plays all Chopin's Mazurkas. He makes them in recitatives, dramatic recitatives. He's very aware of the melancholy in the music, and that means that the drama appears psychological.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Karl Henning on June 23, 2015, 09:46:06 AM
Quote from: sanantonio on June 23, 2015, 09:44:15 AM
Period instrument Chopin Mazurkas

[asin]B00HD0HZQ2[/asin]

There are some noteworthy and lovely things about this recording. First, there is the mellow tone of the restored 1830s Collard & Collard square piano, the kind of instrument on which Chopin’s mazurkas would have been played in drawing rooms all over Europe. Second, there is a seductive intimacy to Asheim’s playing that resonates with the domestic nature of these miniature gems. Third, it is fascinating to hear how the tone quality and short decay of the instrument influence the performance of the music. Asheim uses asynchronised hands and introduces arpeggiated chords at will – much like Chopin is said to have done in his free treatment of his own work (Berlioz, Lenz, Hallé and many others attest to this). (Gramophone, 2014)

Most interesting, thanks.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: North Star on June 23, 2015, 09:52:06 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on June 23, 2015, 09:46:06 AM
Most interesting, thanks.
+1
Audio samples here (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00HD0HZQ2/).
A pity it's not a complete set.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on June 23, 2015, 10:04:43 AM
Quote from: George on June 23, 2015, 09:41:11 AM
A great set! His Nocturnes are lovely as well!

Do you have his preludes? (They're on youtube but I want good sound)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: North Star on June 23, 2015, 10:08:12 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on June 23, 2015, 10:04:43 AM
Do you have his preludes? (They're on youtube but I want good sound)
And I would like to have all of his Chopin in good sound. :)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on June 23, 2015, 10:13:46 AM
Quote from: North Star on June 23, 2015, 10:08:12 AM
And I would like to have all of his Chopin in good sound. :)

I can put the other stuff on symphonyshare.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: North Star on June 23, 2015, 10:25:25 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on June 23, 2015, 10:13:46 AM
I can put the other stuff on symphonyshare.
Thanks. There's no rush as I won't be able to enjoy them before August in any case.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on June 23, 2015, 10:34:52 AM
Quote from: sanantonio on June 23, 2015, 09:44:15 AM
Period instrument Chopin Mazurkas

[asin]B00HD0HZQ2[/asin]

There are some noteworthy and lovely things about this recording. First, there is the mellow tone of the restored 1830s Collard & Collard square piano, the kind of instrument on which Chopin's mazurkas would have been played in drawing rooms all over Europe. Second, there is a seductive intimacy to Asheim's playing that resonates with the domestic nature of these miniature gems. Third, it is fascinating to hear how the tone quality and short decay of the instrument influence the performance of the music. Asheim uses asynchronised hands and introduces arpeggiated chords at will – much like Chopin is said to have done in his free treatment of his own work (Berlioz, Lenz, Hallé and many others attest to this). (Gramophone, 2014)

I got to review this for MusicWeb. It really is good, and enjoyable; sometimes Asheim plays far faster than I'd like, but you could argue about that being period practice. Another potentially "authentic" quality is the (very rare, not intrusive) wrong notes.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on June 23, 2015, 09:11:09 PM
(http://sounds.bl.uk/related-content/IMAGES/026I-1LP0162489XX-AAZZA0.jpg)

Maryla Jonas plays some mazurkas. The style reminds me of Gustav Leonhardt in his Froberger for Teldec, and in his Frescobaldi for Philips. That's to say it's both expressive and controled, accurate. The result is abstract and humane - humane because it's expressive, and abstract because the control means that there's never any impression that the pianist is just vaunting her own states of mind. I appreciate this universalised apollonian style a lot, and I'd like to hear the same approach in other romantic music.

The recording on Pearl, which contains some of the mazurkas on this LP, is so marred by poor sound it's hard to appreciate her art in any detail.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on June 25, 2015, 04:40:15 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/712KRRXCwiL._SX355_.jpg)

Janina Fialkowska plays Chopin's mazurkas. This is some of the the most emotionally subtle, nuanced and varied, the most beautiful, the most focused, mazurka playing I have heard.  It is also the least stormy, the least passionate, the most "tasteful", the most genteel.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: North Star on June 25, 2015, 05:27:22 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on June 25, 2015, 04:40:15 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/712KRRXCwiL._SX355_.jpg)

Janina Fialkowska plays Chopin's mazurkas. This is some of the the most emotionally subtle, nuanced and varied, the most beautiful, the most focused, mazurka playing I have heard.  It is also the least stormy, the least passionate, the most "tasteful", the most genteel.
Tempting...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Karl Henning on June 25, 2015, 05:35:50 AM
Indeed.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on June 25, 2015, 07:07:51 AM
One of the most remarkable things about Fialkowska is the way she takes each reptition in the music and gives it an individual emotional nuance. That, combined with her sense of refinement, nobility. She may be Rubinstein's pupil but she's not distant and aloof from the music like Rubinstein came to be after the war, nor does she have Rubinstein's outgoing showmanship. People who like, e.g., Kulenkampff and Schneiderhan in Beethoven, will find a lot to appreciate in her Chopin. In terms of basic things like tone, she's like a good claret. Her Chopin sonatas are well worth catching, and the Liszt sonata too.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 12, 2018, 02:18:41 AM
(http://www.classicalsource.com/images/upload/14208_1.jpg)

These Dresden China mazurkas from Pavel Kolesnikov are like a breath of fresh air. He completely dispenses with the idea that Chopin was wise, profound and surprising. In Kolesnikov's hands the mazurkas are hardly a sustained engagement with the human condition.  There's very little if any dream like meditation, there's very little if any tension between irregular rhythms and fluid song, There ain't much emotional ambiguity, any interesting counterpoint in the music is hardly brought into prominence.

What Kolesnikov gives us is something which sings and dances along without much of a care in the world. In these mazurkas God's in his heaven and all's right with the world - at least the world that's visible from the bourgeois salon.

Kolesnikov makes a sound which suits the superficiality of the interpretation - light and silvery and rather lovely.

These are mazurkas for the background, not to be taken too seriously.

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 12, 2018, 02:35:46 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Q7p5wjzkL._SL1500_.jpg)

Dang Thai Son knows how to drive a piano and he knows how to play Chopin. The tone he makes emerge is . . . hammerless and richly colourful; the interpretations are nuanced and sophisticated. The playing is full of a totally natural and rather original rubato. The irony in the music, the ambiguous emotional life of the mazurkas, is well realised. There's not the slightest suggestion of either the bourgeois salon or peasant dance hall. These mazurkas are, in Dang's hands, soul music, not just foot music or voice  music.

This is one of the best mazurka sets on modern piano. What a shame he didn't use a real Chopin piano though!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 12, 2018, 10:58:46 PM
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSC1Re0gnMeLiAwd76yQgBv7C2hn2NYuK3mURp8uqqMJJQmdNGA)

I want to get something out of the way before singing the praises of Idil Biret's mazurkas. She does not have a subtle, colourful, nuanced touch; she does not have a sensitive and imaginative way of expressing herself.

Nevertheless, I love this, because it's so intense. It's totally magnetic, hypnotic. I feel I can sense her sincerity completely. I can't stop listening once I start - and I'm certainly ready to tolerate her limitations.

(There's something about these performances which made me think of The Salomon Quartet.)

The recording quality is listenable.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on October 08, 2018, 09:53:46 AM
Maria Grinberg plays some mazurkas

https://www.youtube.com/v/j7ccSU4urns
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 24, 2019, 04:42:38 AM
Pletnev plays 30 minutes of mazurkas, I don't know what to make of it really, it's refined and poetic and reticent.

https://www.youtube.com/v/ruVA4kKpaAc&t=121s
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Peregrine on March 25, 2019, 11:43:44 AM
I think they're wonderful. Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 11, 2019, 10:22:23 PM
(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/Alb.356072566/500x500.jpg)

I think this is worth hearing, his way of articulating the music gives each piece large, bold, noble gestures. I like the weightiness and seriousness of his approach very much, extrovert without being unreflective; personal and expressive without being self indulgent. Nice enough modern piano rather well recorded.

His notes on each mazurka may or may not have some insights. You'll see he waxes particularly lyrical about op 50/3 and he delivers a particularly magnificent performance of this mazurka to boot.

Quote from: Radoslav Kvapil /translation: Jill Nizard: Prague, September 2018Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.6, No.2. Composed in Vienna in 1830. This Mazurka is written in ABA form. Section B expresses the greatest simplicity, similar to the simplicity to be found in the Polish national folk songs.

Mazurka in E major, Op.6, No.3. (Vienna 1830) At times, this Mazurka is written similarly to dance music, without the possibility of dancing to it. It is full of exuberance and a continually joyful mood, full of irregular accents. This is something typical of Polish folk dance music. Bars 41 to 48 provide proof that this music is not written to be danced!

Mazurka in B flat major, Op.7, No.1. (Vienna 1830-31) Very simple music, maestoso until bars 45 to 53 where it then becomes slightly mysterious.

Mazurka in A minor, Op.7, No.2. (Vienna 1830-31) This Mazurka is very lyrical at the beginning and then becomes dramatic. In bars 42-46, it is more maestoso, before becoming lyrical once again.

Mazurka in F minor, Op.7, No.3. (Vienna 1830-31) This starts with an introduction expressing a mysterious atmosphere during the first eight bars. Then, between bars 41-54, a new mood takes place, which is a very typical dance mood.

Mazurka in C major, Op.7, No.5. (Vienna 1830-31) This is more of a sketch than an actual mazurka, because it has no ending and the music is marked senza fine in the score. This is the reason I joined this Op.7 No.5 to the C major Mazurka, Op.56 No. 2:

Mazurka in C major, Opus 56, No.2. (Paris 1843) This is a very energetic folk dance, but in bars 37-50, it becomes lyrical and poetical, totally unlike the idea of a dance, and continues so between bars 53-78. (Dvorak also composed a Mazurka in C major, Op.56, No.2, which has similar character to Chopin's Mazurka Op.56/2).

Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17, No.4. (Paris 1832-3) This one is very slow and it uses notes formed by irregular groups of ornamentation, following a similar method using ornaments to be found in many of his works, notably in his Piano Concerto No.2 in the second movement.


Mazurka in C major, Op.24, No.2. (Paris 1834-35) This starts as an improvisation, which announces a very dazzling melody. Bars 21 and 30, demonstrate the way Chopin improvises. Here, he repeats the same melody four times with ingenious small changes. At the end of the Mazurka, he returns to the opening improvisation.

Mazurka in D flat major, Op.30, No.3. (Paris 1836-37) This could be music pathetique like Beethoven's or Liszt's music, but Chopin, with his use of brutal dynamic changes, where he jumps regularly from fortissimo to pianissimo, creates a totally different character.

Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.30, No.4. (Paris 1836-37) I consider this to be one of Chopin's finest Mazurkas. After four bars of introduction, which correspond to a slightly mysterious opening, the Mazurka continues as an energetic dance. Chopin then destroys the regular form ABA, because in bars 65-96, he suddenly adds a new idea, in which he expresses his great love of the Polish Nation. We then later find the same idea of the love of one's Nation, in the middle section of the Polka in F major in Smetana's Czech Dances. After bar 133, comes quite an extraordinary ending, in which the three bars 137-140 resemble Schumann's Vogel als Prophet (Bird as a Prophet) from his Waldescenen, Op.82.

Mazurka in G sharp minor, Op.33, No.1. (Paris 1837-38) This is one of Chopin's saddest works. In bars 16 to 36, he is trying to escape from his feeling of despair, but this is in vain, and his hopelessness returns.

Mazurka in B minor, Op.33, No.4. (Paris 1837-38) With its 224 bars, this is perhaps Chopin's longest Mazurka. All the main ideas in bars 1-24, 49-64 and 129-175 are brilliant and highly inspired; however, in my opinion, permanent repetition of these ideas destroys the appropriate balance of the work. It would therefore appear that bars 176-192 should have been edited out of a final revision. Chopin would have needed to come back to the main theme in bar 193. But we can rarely find in any of his other works such examples of an inelegant solution as here, with so many bars of music without inspiration.

Mazurka in B major, Op.41, No.3. (Paris 1839) This Mazurka has not the special character of a mazurka. In the first four bars, it starts as a dance, but the whole work expresses brilliant music, more greatly resembling that of a prelude.

Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.50, No.3. Composed in Paris in 1841-2. This Mazurka is the finest and also the most magnificent. Beginning in polyphonic form, it is similar to a principle to be found in a canon, and it does not resemble a dance. The rhythm of the  Mazurka comes about in bar 17, but not for a long time. Between bars 25 and 32, a dialogue takes place between two independent voices, until bar 33. Then from bars 33-40, there is a reminder of the beginning of the Mazurka. Section B, between bars 41 and 93, leads to a very simple mazurka. Section A returns in bars 94 to133. Then Section C commences, which corresponds to a large coda. Between bars 145 and 172, Chopin proceeds with a considerable amount of work as a composer, in which he goes to great depth by using chromaticisms, which increase the expression very considerably . Everything is aiming to reach the summit of the work in bars 173-179, which he then attains. In making comparisons to this Mazurka, it is interesting to see how Bedrich Smetana, in his work Poetic Polkas Op.8 No.2, adopts the main ideas of this Mazurka, even if his music is totally different. His poetic beginning is not like a dance. Then an energetic dance, in this case, a polka, takes place from bar 10, but not for long, and a dialogue then happens between two independent voices. Then there is a reminder of the first nine bars of the beginning. Such a similarity between these two works leads one to ask oneself if Smetana already knew Chopin's Mazurka Op.50 No.3 when he composed his work Poetic Polkas Op.8 No.2, or whether he composed it in such a way unconsciously.

Mazurka in A flat major, Op.59, No.2. Composed in 1845 in Paris. Beginning in piano dolce, it is presented in forte grandioso in bars 23 to 43. Section B (bars 45 to 68) is not dance-like. The mood increases in expression, aiming to return to the main theme from bar 69. Between bars 82-88, Chopin resorts to improvisation, in which the fingers glide along the keyboard in that usual manner. The real coda starts in bar 89. Then, between bars 108 and 109, a new, fairly rapid improvisation takes place once again.

Mazurka in F minor, Op.63, No.2. Composed in 1846 in Paris. This was one of Chopin's last Mazurkas, which he both composed and published himself. It evokes great simplicity and yet also a deep feeling of sadness.

Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.63, No.3. Composed in Paris in Autumn 1846. This is one of the last Mazurkas Chopin to be composed and also published. It presents an indecisive atmosphere, in which Chopin is searching for a solution, which he continues to search in a repeat, and which, he is, once again, unable to find, once again ending indecisively. After bar 33 and until bar 46, he is permanently changing the mood, searching for new solutions, which he appears to have then found. However, immediately afterwards, he returns once again to Section A, looking for yet another solution, which he appears to have found in bar 64, where he then leaves
4
this indecisive mood by resorting to somewhat complicated polyphony, enabling hin to find a final solution in bars 77 and 78.

Mazurka in G minor, Op.67, No.2. Chopin composed this work in 1849, in Paris.

Mazurka in A minor, Op.67, No.4. Chopin composed this Mazurka in 1846, in Paris.

Mazurka in C major, Op.68, No.1. Chopin composed this Mazurka in 1829, in Warsaw. These three above were all published posthumously by Julius Fontana in Paris, in 1855.

Mazurka in A minor, Op.68, No.2. Chopin composed this Mazurka in 1827 in Warsaw. It was later also published as a posthumous work by Julius Fontana in Paris, in 1855. This well-known Mazurka is what is commonly known as the Rossignol. The wide popularity of this work is derived from the great poetry it expresses.

Mazurka in F major, Op.68, No.3. Chopin composed this Mazurka in 1829 in Warsaw. It was published as a posthumous work by Julius Fontana in Paris in 1855. This Mazurka however belongs to Chopin's early works. Here the Mazurka has a slightly festive character and it has a possible characteristic which can typically be found in a Polonaise. Its middle section is poco piu vivo, and bars 33-44 provide a very different mood from the one in the other parts. The same sparkling character also appears both in Op.7 No.1 and in Op.6 No.2, enabling Chopin to create both a new dimension and a new mood.

Mazurka in F minor, Op.68, No.4. Chopin composed this Mazurka in Paris in 1849. It was later also published posthumously by Julius Fontana in Paris, in 1855. This is the final Mazurka Chopin composed before his death in October 1849. This one is deeply poetical. By adding the words ad infinitum to the end of this composition, Chopin expresses his farewell to life. Only some of Schubert's final Lieder are able similarly to describe the precise moment at which human life is about to end. Mazurka in B flat major, which Chopin composed in Warsaw in 1825, might have been his first ever mazurka. It was published in Warsaw in 1826.



Back to this. Certainly a special recording and my comment 2.5 years ago about seriousness and lightness seems pretty perceptive, though I say so myself. Sounds good too.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Verena on April 12, 2019, 01:50:47 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 11, 2019, 10:22:23 PM
(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/Alb.356072566/500x500.jpg)

I think this is worth hearing, his way of articulating the music gives each piece large, bold, noble gestures. I like the weightiness and seriousness of his approach very much, extrovert without being unreflective; personal and expressive without being self indulgent. Nice enough modern piano rather well recorded.

His notes on each mazurka may or may not have some insights. You'll see he waxes particularly lyrical about op 50/3 and he delivers a particularly magnificent performance of this mazurka to boot.

Thanks for pointing this out. I really like the performance. I guess I will have to try his Chopin Ballades, too.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 14, 2019, 12:03:32 AM
This is the latest thinking on order of composition (souce: Joanna Macgregor)
Quote

The Earliest Mazurkas (1820-1829)

KK IVa No.7 in D major 'Mazurek'

KK IIa No.2 in G major 'Prague'

KK IIa No.3 in B flat major

Op. 68 No.2 in A minor: Lento

Op. 68 No.1 in C major: Vivace

Op. 68 No.3 in F major: Allegro ma non troppo

Four Mazurkas Op. 6 (1830)

No.1 in F sharp minor

No.2 in C sharp minor

No.3 in E major: Vivace

No.4 in E flat minor: Presto ma non troppo

Five Mazurkas Op 7 (1830-31)

No.1 in B flat major: Vivace

No.2 in A minor: Vivo ma non troppo

No.3 in F minor

No.4 in A flat major: Presto ma non troppo

No.5 in C major: Vivo


KKIV No.1 in B flat major (1832)


Four Mazurkas Op 17 (1832-33)

No.1 in B flat major: Vivo e risoluto

No.2 in E minor: Lento ma non troppo

No.3 in A flat major: Legato assai

No.4 in A minor: Lento ma non troppo


KKIVb No.3 in C major (1833)

KKIVb No.4 in A flat major 'Szymanowska' (1834)


Four Mazurkas Op. 24 (1834-35)

No.1 in G minor: Lento

No.2 in C major: Allegro non troppo

No.3 in A flat major: Moderato

No.4 in B flat minor: Moderato


Op.67 No.1 in G major: Vivace (1835)

Op.67 No.3 in C major: Allegretto  (1835)


Four Mazurkas, Op 30 (1836-37)

No.1 in C minor: Allegretto non tanto

No.2 in B minor: Vivace

No.3 in D flat major: Allegro non troppo

No.4 in C sharp minor: Allegretto

Four Mazurkas Op.33 (1837-8)

No.1 in G sharp minor: Mesto

No.2 in D major: Vivace

No.3 in C major: Semplice

No.4 in B minor

Four Mazurkas Op.41 (1838-9)

No.1 in E minor: Andantino

No.2 in B major: Animato

No.3 in A flat major: Allegretto

No.4 in C sharp minor: Maestoso


KK IIb No.4 in A minor: Allegretto 'Notre Temps' (1839)

KK IIb No.5 in A minor 'À son ami Emile Galliard' (1841)


Three Mazurkas Op.50 (1841-42)

No.1 in G major: Vivace

No.2 in A flat major: Allegretto

No.3 in C sharp minor: Moderato

Three Mazurkas Op.56 (1843)

No.1 in B major: Allegro non tanto

No.2 in C major: Vivace

No.3 in C minor: Moderato

Three Mazurkas Op.59 (1845)

No.1 in A minor: Moderato

No.2 in A flat major: Allegretto

No.3 in F sharp minor: Vivace

Three Mazurkas Op.63 (1846)

No.1 in B major: Vivace

No.2 in F minor: Lento

No.3 in C sharp minor: Allegretto

The Final Mazurkas

Op.67 No.4 in A minor: Allegretto (1846)

Op.67 No.2 in G minor: Cantabile (1846)

Op.68 No.4 in F minor: Andantino (1849)

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 14, 2019, 12:09:26 AM
Quote from: Verena on April 12, 2019, 01:50:47 AM
Thanks for pointing this out. I really like the performance. I guess I will have to try his Chopin Ballades, too.

And a challenging Waldstein, which I'm trying to follow now.


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81AugVvLgHL._SY355_.jpg)

I've heard he's exceptional in Smetana and Dvorak, I haven't heard that but I intend to try his Janacek sometime. so far I've only heard the Overgrown Path 2 on Panton, it's good.  I see he has some Janacek as part of a huge collection called "Anthology of Czech Piano Music" and from what I can see they're different performances, I guess the Panton are earlier since Panton was an LP label.  Lots to explore.

(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/014/MI0001014201.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)    (https://img.discogs.com/q-HyfSERKTHFRJGsYuC2l5QcqDU=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8305152-1459010264-9397.jpeg.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: aukhawk on April 14, 2019, 01:49:07 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 14, 2019, 12:09:26 AM
I guess the Panton are earlier since Panton was an LP label. 

So was Unicorn

(https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0509/20/horenstein-panufnik-heroic-overture_1_9072aad0417266cfc2f6e9f21a99ae48.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 14, 2019, 04:14:08 AM
Quote from: aukhawk on April 14, 2019, 01:49:07 AM
So was Unicorn

(https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0509/20/horenstein-panufnik-heroic-overture_1_9072aad0417266cfc2f6e9f21a99ae48.jpg)

Ah.

The Waldstein is really Arrauvian. I know that for some people this is condemning it, but not for me! In fact maybe it's more successful than most of Arrau's attempts.  He out-arraus Arrau.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 14, 2019, 08:36:45 PM
Quote from: Verena on April 12, 2019, 01:50:47 AM
Thanks for pointing this out. I really like the performance. I guess I will have to try his Chopin Ballades, too.

Études also.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: ChopinBroccoli on July 16, 2019, 03:05:11 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on June 25, 2015, 04:40:15 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/712KRRXCwiL._SX355_.jpg)

Janina Fialkowska plays Chopin's mazurkas. This is some of the the most emotionally subtle, nuanced and varied, the most beautiful, the most focused, mazurka playing I have heard.  It is also the least stormy, the least passionate, the most "tasteful", the most genteel.

I'm new here and I'm seconding this post... this album is quite good... I generally prefer Rubinstein's 60s takes but when I want a different feel on these pieces, this is the one ...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on August 18, 2019, 03:30:33 AM
(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/Alb.220558700/500x500.jpg)

What's distinctive about this one from Sergei Dorensky is that he has a symphonic style - lots of different timbres and big gestures - which he uses fairly liberally here to transform each mazurka into a something which sounds more like a Rachmaninov tableau than you might have been expecting.

Good enough sound, modern piano with a good steely timbre, I wonder if it was a soviet instrument.

Dorensky was, I believe, a well regarded teacher in the USSR. Does anyone know anything about him, his ideas and his pupils?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on September 21, 2019, 10:46:03 AM
In the past I've listened to samples of Pavel Kolesnikov's Hyperion mazurkas and found them too fussy and self-centered. But this morning I tried again and really liked the 60-clips I heard. Does anyone here have experience with Kolesnikov?

He has a new Chopin album next month also...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on September 21, 2019, 11:02:04 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 21, 2019, 10:46:03 AM
In the past I've listened to samples of Pavel Kolesnikov's Hyperion mazurkas and found them too fussy and self-centered. But this morning I tried again and really liked the 60-clips I heard. Does anyone here have experience with Kolesnikov?

https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21492.msg1228345.html#msg1228345 (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21492.msg1228345.html#msg1228345)

Quote
He has a new Chopin album next month also...

Which one?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on September 21, 2019, 11:09:04 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 21, 2019, 11:02:04 AM

Which one?
The new one has impromptus and waltzes. I'm on my phone so I can't look up the artwork as easily.

Thanks for your comments!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on September 21, 2019, 11:16:48 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 21, 2019, 11:09:04 AM
The new one has impromptus and waltzes. I'm on my phone so I can't look up the artwork as easily.

Thanks, on my wishlist it goes.

Quote
Thanks for your comments!

You're welcome. You might also find interesting the ensuing exchange between me and Mandryka. See from here:

https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21492.msg1228349.html#msg1228349 (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21492.msg1228349.html#msg1228349)

down the page
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 21, 2019, 11:34:50 AM
Here's what I thought when I last listened

Quote from: Mandryka on May 12, 2018, 02:18:41 AM
(http://www.classicalsource.com/images/upload/14208_1.jpg)

These Dresden China mazurkas from Pavel Kolesnikov are like a breath of fresh air. He completely dispenses with the idea that Chopin was wise, profound and surprising. In Kolesnikov's hands the mazurkas are hardly a sustained engagement with the human condition.  There's very little if any dream like meditation, there's very little if any tension between irregular rhythms and fluid song, There ain't much emotional ambiguity, any interesting counterpoint in the music is hardly brought into prominence.

What Kolesnikov gives us is something which sings and dances along without much of a care in the world. In these mazurkas God's in his heaven and all's right with the world - at least the world that's visible from the bourgeois salon.

Kolesnikov makes a sound which suits the superficiality of the interpretation - light and silvery and rather lovely.

These are mazurkas for the background, not to be taken too seriously.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Karl Henning on September 21, 2019, 12:24:42 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on September 21, 2019, 11:34:50 AM
Here's what I thought when I last listened


Very interesting, thanks.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 21, 2019, 01:45:45 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 21, 2019, 12:24:42 PM
Very interesting, thanks.

You're welcome.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 21, 2019, 01:54:36 PM
My fav Mazurkas. The subtle performance offers ennui and darkness.


https://www.amazon.com/Chopin-Mazurkas-Other-Piano-Works/dp/B003QLY5JC/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on September 21, 2019, 05:47:08 PM
Hmmmm... This is the first time I've heard anyone refer to ennui as a desirable thing.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 21, 2019, 09:31:03 PM
Quote from: Forever Electoral College on September 21, 2019, 01:54:36 PM
My fav Mazurkas. The subtle performance offers ennui and darkness.


https://www.amazon.com/Chopin-Mazurkas-Other-Piano-Works/dp/B003QLY5JC/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Thanks for mentioning this, I've started to explore it. Two things strike me straight way. The first is the sweetness of the sound he makes, and the second is the naturalness of the rubato.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 21, 2019, 09:44:03 PM
Quote from: Brian on September 21, 2019, 05:47:08 PM
Hmmmm... This is the first time I've heard anyone refer to ennui as a desirable thing.

But Baudelaire makes it sound delightful

QuoteC'est l'Ennui! L'oeil chargé d'un pleur involontaire,
II rêve d'échafauds en fumant son houka.
Tu le connais, lecteur, ce monstre délicat,
— Hypocrite lecteur, — mon semblable, — mon frère!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on September 21, 2019, 11:41:13 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on September 21, 2019, 11:34:50 AM
Here's what I thought when I last listened

Kind of agrees with my ow assessment.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on September 21, 2019, 11:44:05 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on September 21, 2019, 09:44:03 PM
But Baudelaire makes it sound delightful

Taken out of context, maybe. The full poem, though, makes it sound frightful.

La sottise, l'erreur, le péché, la lésine,
Occupent nos esprits et travaillent nos corps,
Et nous alimentons nos aimables remords,
Comme les mendiants nourrissent leur vermine.

Nos péchés sont têtus, nos repentirs sont lâches;
Nous nous faisons payer grassement nos aveux,
Et nous rentrons gaiement dans le chemin bourbeux,
Croyant par de vils pleurs laver toutes nos taches.

Sur l'oreiller du mal c'est Satan Trismégiste
Qui berce longuement notre esprit enchanté,
Et le riche métal de notre volonté
Est tout vaporisé par ce savant chimiste.

C'est le Diable qui tient les fils qui nous remuent!
Aux objets répugnants nous trouvons des appas;
Chaque jour vers l'Enfer nous descendons d'un pas,
Sans horreur, à travers des ténèbres qui puent.

Ainsi qu'un débauché pauvre qui baise et mange
Le sein martyrisé d'une antique catin,
Nous volons au passage un plaisir clandestin
Que nous pressons bien fort comme une vieille orange.

Serré, fourmillant, comme un million d'helminthes,
Dans nos cerveaux ribote un peuple de Démons,
Et, quand nous respirons, la Mort dans nos poumons
Descend, fleuve invisible, avec de sourdes plaintes.

Si le viol, le poison, le poignard, l'incendie,
N'ont pas encor brodé de leurs plaisants dessins
Le canevas banal de nos piteux destins,
C'est que notre âme, hélas! n'est pas assez hardie.

Mais parmi les chacals, les panthères, les lices,
Les singes, les scorpions, les vautours, les serpents,
Les monstres glapissants, hurlants, grognants, rampants,
Dans la ménagerie infâme de nos vices,

II en est un plus laid, plus méchant, plus immonde!
Quoiqu'il ne pousse ni grands gestes ni grands cris,
Il ferait volontiers de la terre un débris
Et dans un bâillement avalerait le monde;

C'est l'Ennui! L'oeil chargé d'un pleur involontaire,
II rêve d'échafauds en fumant son houka.
Tu le connais, lecteur, ce monstre délicat,
— Hypocrite lecteur, — mon semblable, — mon frère!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: JBS on September 22, 2019, 05:06:30 AM
Am I the only one here to have heard Vladimir Feltsman's new recording.

On one listen, I found it superficial.  On another listen, I thought it was full of emotional heft.  Obviously my mood for the day must have been the deciding factor.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 22, 2019, 05:48:34 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on September 21, 2019, 09:31:03 PM
Thanks for mentioning this, I've started to explore it. Two things strike me straight way. The first is the sweetness of the sound he makes, and the second is the naturalness of the rubato.

Yes silky, sensual sound with delicate touch. Liberal, if not excessive, use of rubato. I hope you like the recording.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 22, 2019, 05:54:47 AM
Talking about Ennui, Ott's Waltzes (not Mazurkas) present somehow oblique aestheticism with sensitivity and melancholy.

Chopin: Complete Waltzes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WHTGC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_wX3HDbD5A3GHC
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Que on September 22, 2019, 06:27:03 AM
Sofar, two pianists have impressed me the most: Arthur Rubinstein and...

[asin]B00CC9PAYI[/asin]
Q
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 22, 2019, 11:32:51 AM
Another one I care.

Chopin Assorted Mazurkas. (Iddo Bar-Shai Piano. Total Time: 78') https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBW31U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_tW8HDbNBTV32K
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 22, 2019, 12:56:01 PM
Quote from: Forever Electoral College on September 22, 2019, 11:32:51 AM
Another one I care.

Chopin Assorted Mazurkas. (Iddo Bar-Shai Piano. Total Time: 78') https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBW31U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_tW8HDbNBTV32K

I think that's a bit too self conscious for me.


Quote from: Forever Electoral College on September 22, 2019, 05:54:47 AM
Talking about Ennui, Ott's Waltzes (not Mazurkas) present somehow oblique aestheticism with sensitivity and melancholy.

Chopin: Complete Waltzes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WHTGC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_wX3HDbD5A3GHC

Yes, rather nice especially in the middle sections. Are you Ok with the recording? It sounds very close, maybe it's just the equipment Im using.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 23, 2019, 09:40:30 AM
Yes I like the B minor waltz. The left microphone is very close to the piano.

Quote from: Mandryka on September 22, 2019, 12:56:01 PM
Yes, rather nice especially in the middle sections. Are you Ok with the recording? It sounds very close, maybe it's just the equipment Im using.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Marc on September 23, 2019, 10:12:43 AM
Quote from: George on September 22, 2019, 03:20:44 PM
Thanks for sharing this, Q. Interesting the recording dates listed on the back, as some Googling shows that he died in 1977, yet the recordings on 70% of CD 01 are listed as being from 1977 and the rest are listed as being from 1978! Must be a typo?

If the twofer of Dante is the same recording, then the recording date must be 1958.
Could that be possible? An early stereo recording?

https://www.melomania.com/en/51-mazurkas-49842/s

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 23, 2019, 10:28:02 AM
Quote from: Marc on September 23, 2019, 10:12:43 AM
If the twofer of Dante is the same recording, then the recording date must be 1958.
Could that be possible? An early stereo recording?

https://www.melomania.com/en/51-mazurkas-49842/s

Listen first before you buy here to see if it's your sort of thing

https://www.youtube.com/v/lLi2uwGOYBg
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Marc on September 23, 2019, 10:45:49 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on September 23, 2019, 10:28:02 AM
Listen first before you buy here to see if it's your sort of thing

https://www.youtube.com/v/lLi2uwGOYBg

No, the sound and performance are just fine, I know that.

But I was wondering about the recording date. Since Flier died in 1977, the recording date (1978) of a large part of Que's Amazon-link 2-cd must be wrong.
The Dante twofer on Melomania speaks of 1958 as recording year, and I'm not sure whether Russia already delivered stereo recordings before the 1960s.
Also, the Amazon link is an issue of Melodiya. Did Melodiya already exist in 1958?

So: are the Dante and Melodiya 2 different recordings (maybe mono and stereo)?
If so, then the recording dates of the Melodiya issue are incorrect.

If they are the same recordings though, then the Dante recording date might be incorrect, unless they were already recording in very good stereo quality in the USSR, Anno Domini 1958.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 23, 2019, 11:50:02 AM
Quote from: Marc on September 23, 2019, 10:45:49 AM
No, the sound and performance are just fine, I know that.

But I was wondering about the recording date. Since Flier died in 1977, the recording date (1978) of a large part of Que's Amazon-link 2-cd must be wrong.
The Dante twofer on Melomania speaks of 1958 as recording year, and I'm not sure whether Russia already delivered stereo recordings before the 1960s.
Also, the Amazon link is an issue of Melodiya. Did Melodiya already exist in 1958?

So: are the Dante and Melodiya 2 different recordings (maybe mono and stereo)?
If so, then the recording dates of the Melodiya issue are incorrect.

If they are the same recordings though, then the Dante recording date might be incorrect, unless they were already recording in very good stereo quality in the USSR, Anno Domini 1958.

If Flier's mazurkas were recorded in 1958 and not 1977, I'm a Dutchman.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: JBS on September 23, 2019, 12:25:04 PM
Melodiya was officially formed in 1964, but as the state run monopoly it seems it had access to all archived recordings made before then. So it could have issued 1958 recordings. And the state of stereo technology was advanced enough in the late 1950s to make it plausible that Soviet recording engineers were experimenting with it by then.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on September 23, 2019, 04:12:40 PM
Quote from: George on September 23, 2019, 03:53:12 PM
Can you (and everyone else who listed Rubinstein as a favorite) please indicate which of his three sets is your favorite?

Thanks!
Well, jwinter said the last one...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Daverz on September 23, 2019, 06:10:37 PM
I'm not much of a Chopin guy, so this is the only cycle I have on CD:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51nkMKW355L.jpg)

I liked also Barbosa's Chopin Waltzes on a Connoisseur LP.  Oh, and he did some great stuff with Wanda Wilkomirska:

https://www.discogs.com/artist/1220349-Antonio-Barbosa

(Like everything else, you can find them on youtube.)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Que on September 23, 2019, 10:10:37 PM
Quote from: George on September 23, 2019, 03:53:12 PM
Can everyone who listed Rubinstein as a favorite please indicate which of his three sets is your favorite?

Thanks!

I like "early"* Rubinstein best, his last recording the least.
But his approach over time was pretty consistent in the Mazurkas IMO.

*he was already in his forties, I believe

Q
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: j winter on September 24, 2019, 06:41:20 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 23, 2019, 04:12:40 PM
Well, jwinter said the last one...

Correct :) 

Though I may not have given the others enough of a listen to make a fair comparison.... I've loved the stereo set for years...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 24, 2019, 07:04:28 AM
Another strange experience with my "new" amp, a Radford STA 25. I bought this recording when it came out nearly 10 years ago, I've never enjoyed it, but now, with the new amp, it sounds like poetical music.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51h%2B2y5NK1L._SX355_.jpg)

More corroboration that the playback equipment matters as much to appraisal of the performance as the instrument matters to the performance itself.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 20, 2020, 10:35:41 AM
(https://reviews.azureedge.net/gramophone/media-thumbnails/chopin_57_mazurkas.jpg)

Listening to op 30 here, what's most striking is the strong kick to the rhythm. Presumably Janusz Olejniczak knows what these things would sound like as dances and has tried to integrate that into the performance. But they were never dances, he knows that, and indeed were widely criticised when they appeared for deviating from the dance models.

What the kick does is make the music sound exotic. Poland is a bit exotic I suppose, neither European nor Slav, or may both European and Slav.

But the best thing is Olejniczak's piano, and it's hard for me to go back to a bland modern instrument after this. I keep thinking of David Tudor's comment that all a modern piano has is twelve notes and they're all boring. How much more rich in overtones Olejniczak's piano is.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on March 20, 2020, 01:11:46 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on September 24, 2019, 07:04:28 AM

More corroboration that the playback equipment matters as much to appraisal of the performance as the instrument matters to the performance itself.

I'm having a blast going through old piano and chamber music recordings with the ESL57s. Never discount what a good bit of hifi can do for performance enjoyment!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 21, 2020, 06:10:20 AM
Quote from: hvbias on March 20, 2020, 01:11:46 PM
I'm having a blast going through old piano and chamber music recordings with the ESL57s. Never discount what a good bit of hifi can do for performance enjoyment!

What amp?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on March 21, 2020, 06:39:17 AM
Ashkenazy's take on them is really something else. Different than any other I've heard. Outstanding. Imo, the best complete set ever recorded.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on March 21, 2020, 06:59:05 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 21, 2020, 06:10:20 AM
What amp?

Atma-Sphere M60
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: vers la flamme on March 21, 2020, 07:02:02 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 21, 2020, 06:39:17 AM
Ashkenazy's take on them is really something else. Different than any other I've heard. Outstanding. Imo, the best complete set ever recorded.

Noted, I shall try and get my hands on it then. I was going to get the complete set of all Chopin's piano music by Ashkenazy, but have decided against it.

I like Idil Biret, and Artur Rubinstein. Haven't heard a whole lot of recordings of the Mazurkas outside of pianists who record 2 or 3 of them to round out their Chopin recital discs.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on March 21, 2020, 07:47:51 AM
Quote from: vers la flamme on March 21, 2020, 07:02:02 AM
I was going to get the complete set of all Chopin's piano music by Ashkenazy, but have decided against it.

Why? By general consensus it's one of, if not THE, most consistently good complete sets.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on March 21, 2020, 08:07:21 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 21, 2020, 07:47:51 AM
Why? By general consensus it's one of, if not THE, most consistently good complete sets.
I think a person who has the complete Rubinstein is set, there, as Rubinstein has a very similar or even greater reputation (and is my favorite in many works, though not all).
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 21, 2020, 08:57:52 AM
Quote from: hvbias on March 21, 2020, 06:59:05 AM
Atma-Sphere M60

Respect.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on March 21, 2020, 09:30:09 AM
Quote from: George on March 21, 2020, 08:44:17 AM
Hey Brian,

To me, there are too many flaws in the Rubinstein set. First features his stereo recordings, which I don't like nearly as much as his monos. Also, his set is far from complete, while Ashkenazy's comes close. Ashkenazy also has him beat for sound.   
Ah, I have the Rubinstein 140 CD Big Box which includes both almost-complete cycles and third, earlier recordings of a lot of things, too. So I didn't realize there was a specific smaller set y'all were discussing.

For completism I've got the Garrick Ohlsson set on Hyperion, which is really good for filling in gaps (great cycle of the songs, for instance).
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: vers la flamme on March 21, 2020, 11:21:51 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 21, 2020, 07:47:51 AM
Why? By general consensus it's one of, if not THE, most consistently good complete sets.

It's a little out of my budget for now, especially as my income just might be at risk of grinding to a halt sometime soon. Plus, I think I'd rather get the Rubinstein Chopin Collection, at least for the time being.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: JBS on March 21, 2020, 11:29:22 AM
Quote from: vers la flamme on March 21, 2020, 11:21:51 AM
It's a little out of my budget for now, especially as my income just might be at risk of grinding to a halt sometime soon. Plus, I think I'd rather get the Rubinstein Chopin Collection, at least for the time being.

I agree with George, that Rubinstein's mono mazurkas are better.

As far as complete sets, are you aware of this
[asin]B00N29UQZA[/asin]

Although as far as actually buying anything, I am in the same boat.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: vers la flamme on March 21, 2020, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: JBS on March 21, 2020, 11:29:22 AM
I agree with George, that Rubinstein's mono mazurkas are better.

As far as complete sets, are you aware of this
[asin]B00N29UQZA[/asin]

Although as far as actually buying anything, I am in the same boat.

No, never heard of the pianist. Italian, I take it, younger-ish...? How would you describe his playing?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: JBS on March 21, 2020, 11:36:44 AM
Quote from: vers la flamme on March 21, 2020, 11:34:35 AM
No, never heard of the pianist. Italian, I take it, younger-ish...? How would you describe his playing?

Middle aged now, I believe...
Playing is consistently good.  I found him through Todd.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: vers la flamme on March 21, 2020, 11:44:43 AM
Quote from: JBS on March 21, 2020, 11:36:44 AM
Middle aged now, I believe...
Playing is consistently good.  I found him through Todd.

Younger than Ashkenazy or Rubinstein, that is  :D

Cool, I will have to sample some of his playing.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on March 21, 2020, 01:11:57 PM
De Maria favors beauty of sound - he's a romantic. I found him through Todd too and particularly like this pianist's incredible recital of three sonatas by Muzio Clementi, which he plays with such style and grace that you momentarily think Clementi must surely be as good as Mozart or Haydn. Alas...not so.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on March 21, 2020, 07:49:27 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 20, 2020, 10:35:41 AM
(https://reviews.azureedge.net/gramophone/media-thumbnails/chopin_57_mazurkas.jpg)

Listening to op 30 here, what's most striking is the strong kick to the rhythm. Presumably Janusz Olejniczak knows what these things would sound like as dances and has tried to integrate that into the performance. But they were never dances, he knows that, and indeed were widely criticised when they appeared for deviating from the dance models.

What the kick does is make the music sound exotic. Poland is a bit exotic I suppose, neither European nor Slav, or may both European and Slav.

But the best thing is Olejniczak's piano, and it's hard for me to go back to a bland modern instrument after this. I keep thinking of David Tudor's comment that all a modern piano has is twelve notes and they're all boring. How much more rich in overtones Olejniczak's piano is.

That is an incredible sounding instrument, vibrant ringing tone, you can even hear some brief mechanical noises from it too which adds to the charm. It's an 1849 Erard, this might be it below.

His interpretations on Op. 30 are very fine as well, I'm in agreement with what you wrote. BTW the least dance like performances I've ever heard in the Mazurkas were by Andrzej Wasowski, I love those interpretations.

Really looking forward to hearing the rest, pretty sure I'll be ordering it.

I next went to Nelson Goerner from that period instrument series and straight into Ballade 2 the Pleyel doesn't sound as interesting as the Erard. Worse there is some hideous doppler type of effect (like Universal watermark, but higher in level) in the recording that makes it hard to gauge his interpretation.

Also listened to a few Preludes from Pietro de Maria, I too heard about him from Todd (Italian Invasion thread?), will write some more later.

(https://i.imgur.com/33ndweR.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: aukhawk on March 22, 2020, 09:31:04 AM
QuoteBut the best thing is Olejniczak's piano, and it's hard for me to go back to a bland modern instrument after this. I keep thinking of David Tudor's comment that all a modern piano has is twelve notes and they're all boring. How much more rich in overtones Olejniczak's piano is.

Quote from: hvbias on March 21, 2020, 07:49:27 PM
That is an incredible sounding instrument, vibrant ringing tone, you can even hear some brief mechanical noises from it too which adds to the charm. It's an 1849 Erard, this might be it below.

I agree too - wonderful complexity of sound on this recording.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 22, 2020, 11:16:24 AM
Quote from: George on March 22, 2020, 10:59:22 AM
On Spotify it comes across as being overly reverberant.
Not in my opinion, that's what pianos sound like. Putting the sound of the piano aside, what do people think of the interpretation? Too much kick? The pulse overdone by sforzandi and rhythmic rubato?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 22, 2020, 11:22:08 AM
Quote from: hvbias on March 21, 2020, 07:49:27 PM
That is an incredible sounding instrument, vibrant ringing tone, you can even hear some brief mechanical noises from it too which adds to the charm. It's an 1849 Erard, this might be it below.

His interpretations on Op. 30 are very fine as well, I'm in agreement with what you wrote. BTW the least dance like performances I've ever heard in the Mazurkas were by Andrzej Wasowski, I love those interpretations.


Well I listened to some of the Wasowski and it is a different beast from Olejniczak. I don't know if it would be possible to play like Wasowski on Olejniczak's piano and vice verse, that's to say, the interpretations are to some extent a product of the instrument. If Olejniczak played a parody of Wasowski  on the lovely old piano it would growl at him and say "NO WAY!"
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on March 22, 2020, 01:22:21 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 22, 2020, 11:16:24 AM
Not in my opinion, that's what pianos sound like. Putting the sound of the piano aside, what do people think of the interpretation? Too much kick? The pulse overdone by sforzandi and rhythmic rubato?

For me the recording is a bit on the reverberant side as well, but this seems to be a common thing with this label's recordings, like they're more midhall presentation instead of more closely mic'd. I'm not sure if that's digital reverb or not, I have a hard time hearing the size of the venue which I associate with natural reverb. Still able to appreciate the wonder of that instrument.

As for the pulse and rubato I have only listened to Op. 30, it's just on the cusp of what I'd find too much. Maybe No. 4 is pushing it too much. A general comment, not specifically on Op. 30, Russell Sherman's recordings would be one where I thought many were pushed too far to the point of sounding broken down and pulled apart, a set I have little desire to revisit.

Quote from: Mandryka on March 22, 2020, 11:22:08 AM
Well I listened to some of the Wasowski and it is a different beast from Olejniczak. I don't know if it would be possible to play like Wasowski on Olejniczak's piano and vice verse, that's to say, the interpretations are to some extent a product of the instrument. If Olejniczak played a parody of Wasowski  on the lovely old piano it would growl at him and say "NO WAY!"

I don't think you'd be able to play it like Wasowski on the Erard. His tricks seem to slower tempi, more use of damper and sustain, just hanging on notes at the right moment. Main difference is you'd not be able to get his darker tones, heavier bass and dynamic range on the Erard. There are some Debussy recordings of pianists playing Pleyels and it sounds not attractive when they are hammering on the thing trying to get more from it. I think Olejniczak could have got similar interpretive results on a modern piano, just not the same tone.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on March 23, 2020, 12:03:50 PM
Pietro de Maria- I skipped around a bunch of Op. 28 Preludes, my general impression is he is very subtle. He never really digs himself into the music, it's beautiful and restrained. Like in the Raindrop he just plays it on the lighter side (probably one of the lightest I've heard), quite the polar opposite of someone like Sokolov. No. 14 doesn't really have the tension I'd associate with the piece. He throws a good amount of heft in No. 24's rolling bass chords, but still a bit lacking in that something extra that makes some recordings really special

I've had the Lucchesini EMI CD in my very heavy rotation these last few months so maybe I have them too much on my mind even I am trying to give de Maria a fair chance. Lucchesini really throws himself into them.

I am very curious about how Volodos would record Op. 28.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 23, 2020, 01:36:13 PM
Quote from: hvbias on March 23, 2020, 12:03:50 PM
he just plays it on the lighter side (probably one of the lightest I've heard),

Yes that's right for his preludes and his mazurkas I think, light, he's a  lightweight, I haven't explored further than that, or if I have I can't remember. Well recorded though, and really sweet and undemanding to hear, I like it very much. No doubt he has an impeccable technique.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on March 24, 2020, 03:37:27 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on September 24, 2019, 07:04:28 AM
Another strange experience with my "new" amp, a Radford STA 25. I bought this recording when it came out nearly 10 years ago, I've never enjoyed it, but now, with the new amp, it sounds like poetical music.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51h%2B2y5NK1L._SX355_.jpg)

More corroboration that the playback equipment matters as much to appraisal of the performance as the instrument matters to the performance itself.

Do the liner notes say if they used tube equipment in recording? Koroliov is such a perfect fit for Tacet with his beautiful clean tone and Tacet's impeccable recording standards. I was playing them at a healthy volume on the ESL57s, what I really enjoyed was the finite microgradiations of tonal color he brought to the pieces, was that similar with you after getting the Radford? This is one of the real strong points of these speakers and I'm usually left with my jaw open.

I passed them over on first listen as well, but then something was telling me he sort of reminds me of Michelangeli. I don't have all my Michelangeli CDs in hand so I was only able to compare them to the one DG CD that has some Mazurkas, 1st Ballade and the 2nd Scherzo (Op. 30/2, 56/2, 68/2). Their interpretations are very similar, both laid bare without any pyrotechnics, over the top agogics or rubato that really stands out. And both with incredible tonal color; Michelangeli's just a hair more bell like in 56/2.

Also been revisiting various CDs of the Waltzes, maybe a thread is in order for that, I couldn't find one on search.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 24, 2020, 09:51:04 PM
I didn't keep the booklet -- which I regret now because I remember he wrote an essay for it, where he talked about the order of the recital, that was important for his conception.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 31, 2020, 12:29:12 AM
Quote from: hvbias on March 22, 2020, 01:22:21 PM
For me the recording is a bit on the reverberant side as well, but this seems to be a common thing with this label's recordings, like they're more midhall presentation instead of more closely mic'd. I'm not sure if that's digital reverb or not, I have a hard time hearing the size of the venue which I associate with natural reverb. Still able to appreciate the wonder of that instrument.

As for the pulse and rubato I have only listened to Op. 30, it's just on the cusp of what I'd find too much. Maybe No. 4 is pushing it too much. A general comment, not specifically on Op. 30, Russell Sherman's recordings would be one where I thought many were pushed too far to the point of sounding broken down and pulled apart, a set I have little desire to revisit.

I don't think you'd be able to play it like Wasowski on the Erard. His tricks seem to slower tempi, more use of damper and sustain, just hanging on notes at the right moment. Main difference is you'd not be able to get his darker tones, heavier bass and dynamic range on the Erard. There are some Debussy recordings of pianists playing Pleyels and it sounds not attractive when they are hammering on the thing trying to get more from it. I think Olejniczak could have got similar interpretive results on a modern piano, just not the same tone.

Well I went back to Olejniczak, the second CD, and any reservations I had about the rubato and the strength of the accents have vanished. This time listening on a different system (JR149/Radford, before was ESL/Krell) and a different room, and the sun is shining, I suspect that makes a difference, as does my mood. And I just don't hear any problem with reverberation at all, I don't know what you and George are talking about there.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on April 06, 2020, 01:16:26 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 31, 2020, 12:29:12 AM
Well I went back to Olejniczak, the second CD, and any reservations I had about the rubato and the strength of the accents have vanished. This time listening on a different system (JR149/Radford, before was ESL/Krell) and a different room, and the sun is shining, I suspect that makes a difference, as does my mood. And I just don't hear any problem with reverberation at all, I don't know what you and George are talking about there.

I've listened to more of the set, I don't find the reverb all that egregious, I still think the recording allows us to hear just how stunning that Erard sounds. It's far more obvious on many Harmonia Mundi and Hyperion releases. Like Paul Lewis playing D850 I was listening to earlier, far more reverb on that recording that really stands out.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on June 12, 2020, 12:03:49 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 24, 2020, 09:51:04 PM
I didn't keep the booklet -- which I regret now because I remember he wrote an essay for it, where he talked about the order of the recital, that was important for his conception.

A new Koroliov disc of Chopin:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71XbqTtj3RL._SL1450_.jpg)

I've only listened to the Mazurkas from it, once again making me think it's the ghost of Michelangeli :o I was on the fence about it since there are several pieces I don't like that much but decided to order it.

I also picked up the Brahms Intermezzi set as well, I really liked that one.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on July 10, 2020, 04:45:08 AM
Quote from: hvbias on June 12, 2020, 12:03:49 PM
A new Koroliov disc of Chopin:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71XbqTtj3RL._SL1450_.jpg)

I've only listened to the Mazurkas from it, once again making me think it's the ghost of Michelangeli :o I was on the fence about it since there are several pieces I don't like that much but decided to order it.

I also picked up the Brahms Intermezzi set as well, I really liked that one.

It's very good, thanks for making me aware of it. Has anyone heard the one with the impromptus?
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 22, 2021, 08:29:19 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61dOVFCJ31L._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

The piano, which is well recorded, somehow gives each mazurka a distinctive bump, presumably because it's slightly more percussive in the lower notes than a modern piano. Worth hearing for that, and the performances are fun, the recording rather good.

Yves Henry appears to be a serious pianist, but one who doesn't record much and doesn't concertise much. He teaches, he judges.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Que on May 22, 2021, 10:54:22 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 22, 2021, 08:29:19 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61dOVFCJ31L._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

The piano, which is well recorded, somehow gives each mazurka a distinctive bump, presumably because it's slightly more percussive in the lower notes than a modern piano. Worth hearing for that, and the performances are fun, the recording rather good.

Yves Henry appears to be a serious pianist, but one who doesn't record much and doesn't concertise much. He teaches, he judges.

My own comments, in response to Florestan asking what was "wrong" with it:

Quote from: Que on November 01, 2020, 05:51:40 AM
Wrong is a big word.

My golden standard in the Mazurkas is Rubinstein (preferably his 1st recording - fresh and brimming with energy) and Yakov Flier (Melodiya). I have 2 recordings on a Pleyel as well: Cor de Groot (pretty good, but rather old fashioned) and Fou Ts'ong (incomplete on one disc a part of "The Real Chopin" edition, also quite good but missing the magic touch).

The Mazurkas should be indeed performed dance-like, with appropriate tempi, rhythm and energy.
This is quirky and quite deconstructed in approach in places, with unnatural changes (lapses) in tempi and rhythm.
The Mazurkas should IMO be played straight with charm, going all philosophical about them is killing their character.

But I'm sure many would disagree!  :)

Q
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: amw on May 23, 2021, 12:13:59 AM
Based on those comments, and since I like Janusz Olejniczak, Patrick Cohen and Mirian Conti (and my gold standard is Witold Małcużynski), I assume I'll probably like Henry as well.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: MusicTurner on May 23, 2021, 12:44:56 AM
Yes, I just listened to the old 1938 Rubinstein a couple of days ago again - lovely.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 23, 2021, 12:52:22 AM
I'm listening to it (it =Henry) now on a better system. The piano is just lovely, really colourful, distinct timbres in each register, not smoothed out by over restoration, more partials than you can shake a stick at. The performances are characterful - he's got ideas, I think ideas which come off pretty well. The recordings are live and they were given in a small room, called the Salon Romantique de Croissy. To judge by the sound on the recording (now that I can hear it better) this room has wonderful acoustics.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Que on May 23, 2021, 01:29:53 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 23, 2021, 12:52:22 AM
I'm listening to it (it =Henry) now on a better system. The piano is just lovely, really colourful, distinct timbres in each register, not smoothed out by over restoration, more partials than you can shake a stick at. The performances are characterful - he's got ideas, I think ideas which come off pretty well. The recordings are live and they were given in a small room, called the Salon Romantique de Croissy. To judge by the sound on the recording (now that I can hear it better) this room has wonderful acoustics.

Playing Chopin on a Pleyel is definitely a good idea!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 23, 2021, 07:43:04 PM
Quote from: Que on May 23, 2021, 01:29:53 PM
Playing Chopin on a Pleyel is definitely a good idea!

The thing is that the Croissy Playel is special, whether it's the instrument or the quality of the restoration I can't say. It is, IMO, much better than the Playel for The Real Chopin, for example - as we once discussed here I think, I suspect that's because the pianos for The Real Chopin are over restored - they're made to sound more homogeneous and their tone is purer. Anyway I think Yves Henry has made an outstanding CD.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: mabuse on May 24, 2021, 10:20:31 AM
Unfortunately, listening every mazurka one after the other bores me a lot I must admit ...
I much prefer when the program is varied like on this album :
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41AIpp4lYWL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/715zNU8YQJL._SL500_.jpg)
Chopin
Edna Stern, "Grand piano by Ignace Pleyel & Cie, 1842; serial n°9250"
Naïve / Cité de la musique (2010)

"The 1842 grand piano has come down to us in its original condition and still possesses its harmonic strings and its hammers covered with chamois leather."

But even without having delved into the question of the instrument making, I really appreciate what I hear  :)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 24, 2021, 01:16:25 PM
Quote from: mabuse on May 24, 2021, 10:20:31 AM
Unfortunately, listening every mazurka one after the other bores me a lot I must admit ...


In fact I can listen to a lot of mazurkas, I can't explain why, and I remember how surprised I was that they engaged me so much when it happened for the first time (in my car, listening to the first Rubinstein recording!)

I can't listen to much more than one nocturne at a time though.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on May 25, 2021, 06:31:10 AM
I can listen to nothing but Chopin all day long...  :D
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: mabuse on May 25, 2021, 11:19:16 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 25, 2021, 06:31:10 AM
I can listen to nothing but Chopin all day long...  :D

But how many mazurkas or nocturnes in a row, Florestan?

I love Chopin but, personally, after 10 minutes listening to the mazurkas I start to lose patience ... I find it more pleasant to alternate with other pieces.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on May 25, 2021, 11:29:40 AM
Quote from: mabuse on May 25, 2021, 11:19:16 AM
But how many mazurkas or nocturnes in a row, Florestan?

All of them and then some. No kidding.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on May 25, 2021, 11:37:33 AM
I can do 20 minutes or so of nocturnes in a stretch, only 1-2 polonaises or waltzes at a time, the full cycle of preludes easily, but I can absolutely listen to 15-20 mazurkas in a row. A full single CD of them is no problem for me. I think the mazurkas are his best, most interesting, and most varied genre, in general, and they offer the performer the most liberty (although some performers of course use this liberty to go far astray).
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on June 17, 2021, 12:43:04 AM
(https://shop.new-art.nl/assets/image.php?width=290&image=/content/img/new_products/1383326032.jpg)

It's been around for more than six years but I've only just found it. Well recorded. Nils Henrik Asheim uses a square  piano from the 1830s by Collard & Collard, it sounds nice. He makes dances for the soul, not for the feet. I found it cloyed after 10 minutes and I took refuge in Olejniczak, but that's not just a reflection of the performances.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on October 24, 2021, 09:31:15 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 11, 2019, 10:22:23 PM

(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/Alb.356072566/500x500.jpg)

I think this is worth hearing, his way of articulating the music gives each piece large, bold, noble gestures. I like the weightiness and seriousness of his approach very much, extrovert without being unreflective; personal and expressive without being self indulgent. Nice enough modern piano rather well recorded.

His notes on each mazurka may or may not have some insights. You'll see he waxes particularly lyrical about op 50/3 and he delivers a particularly magnificent performance of this mazurka to boot.

Quote from: Radoslav Kvapil /translation: Jill Nizard: Prague, September 2018Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.6, No.2. Composed in Vienna in 1830. This Mazurka is written in ABA form. Section B expresses the greatest simplicity, similar to the simplicity to be found in the Polish national folk songs.

Mazurka in E major, Op.6, No.3. (Vienna 1830) At times, this Mazurka is written similarly to dance music, without the possibility of dancing to it. It is full of exuberance and a continually joyful mood, full of irregular accents. This is something typical of Polish folk dance music. Bars 41 to 48 provide proof that this music is not written to be danced!

Mazurka in B flat major, Op.7, No.1. (Vienna 1830-31) Very simple music, maestoso until bars 45 to 53 where it then becomes slightly mysterious.

Mazurka in A minor, Op.7, No.2. (Vienna 1830-31) This Mazurka is very lyrical at the beginning and then becomes dramatic. In bars 42-46, it is more maestoso, before becoming lyrical once again.

Mazurka in F minor, Op.7, No.3. (Vienna 1830-31) This starts with an introduction expressing a mysterious atmosphere during the first eight bars. Then, between bars 41-54, a new mood takes place, which is a very typical dance mood.

Mazurka in C major, Op.7, No.5. (Vienna 1830-31) This is more of a sketch than an actual mazurka, because it has no ending and the music is marked senza fine in the score. This is the reason I joined this Op.7 No.5 to the C major Mazurka, Op.56 No. 2:

Mazurka in C major, Opus 56, No.2. (Paris 1843) This is a very energetic folk dance, but in bars 37-50, it becomes lyrical and poetical, totally unlike the idea of a dance, and continues so between bars 53-78. (Dvorak also composed a Mazurka in C major, Op.56, No.2, which has similar character to Chopin's Mazurka Op.56/2).

Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17, No.4. (Paris 1832-3) This one is very slow and it uses notes formed by irregular groups of ornamentation, following a similar method using ornaments to be found in many of his works, notably in his Piano Concerto No.2 in the second movement.


Mazurka in C major, Op.24, No.2. (Paris 1834-35) This starts as an improvisation, which announces a very dazzling melody. Bars 21 and 30, demonstrate the way Chopin improvises. Here, he repeats the same melody four times with ingenious small changes. At the end of the Mazurka, he returns to the opening improvisation.

Mazurka in D flat major, Op.30, No.3. (Paris 1836-37) This could be music pathetique like Beethoven's or Liszt's music, but Chopin, with his use of brutal dynamic changes, where he jumps regularly from fortissimo to pianissimo, creates a totally different character.

Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.30, No.4. (Paris 1836-37) I consider this to be one of Chopin's finest Mazurkas. After four bars of introduction, which correspond to a slightly mysterious opening, the Mazurka continues as an energetic dance. Chopin then destroys the regular form ABA, because in bars 65-96, he suddenly adds a new idea, in which he expresses his great love of the Polish Nation. We then later find the same idea of the love of one's Nation, in the middle section of the Polka in F major in Smetana's Czech Dances. After bar 133, comes quite an extraordinary ending, in which the three bars 137-140 resemble Schumann's Vogel als Prophet (Bird as a Prophet) from his Waldescenen, Op.82.

Mazurka in G sharp minor, Op.33, No.1. (Paris 1837-38) This is one of Chopin's saddest works. In bars 16 to 36, he is trying to escape from his feeling of despair, but this is in vain, and his hopelessness returns.

Mazurka in B minor, Op.33, No.4. (Paris 1837-38) With its 224 bars, this is perhaps Chopin's longest Mazurka. All the main ideas in bars 1-24, 49-64 and 129-175 are brilliant and highly inspired; however, in my opinion, permanent repetition of these ideas destroys the appropriate balance of the work. It would therefore appear that bars 176-192 should have been edited out of a final revision. Chopin would have needed to come back to the main theme in bar 193. But we can rarely find in any of his other works such examples of an inelegant solution as here, with so many bars of music without inspiration.

Mazurka in B major, Op.41, No.3. (Paris 1839) This Mazurka has not the special character of a mazurka. In the first four bars, it starts as a dance, but the whole work expresses brilliant music, more greatly resembling that of a prelude.

Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.50, No.3. Composed in Paris in 1841-2. This Mazurka is the finest and also the most magnificent. Beginning in polyphonic form, it is similar to a principle to be found in a canon, and it does not resemble a dance. The rhythm of the  Mazurka comes about in bar 17, but not for a long time. Between bars 25 and 32, a dialogue takes place between two independent voices, until bar 33. Then from bars 33-40, there is a reminder of the beginning of the Mazurka. Section B, between bars 41 and 93, leads to a very simple mazurka. Section A returns in bars 94 to133. Then Section C commences, which corresponds to a large coda. Between bars 145 and 172, Chopin proceeds with a considerable amount of work as a composer, in which he goes to great depth by using chromaticisms, which increase the expression very considerably . Everything is aiming to reach the summit of the work in bars 173-179, which he then attains. In making comparisons to this Mazurka, it is interesting to see how Bedrich Smetana, in his work Poetic Polkas Op.8 No.2, adopts the main ideas of this Mazurka, even if his music is totally different. His poetic beginning is not like a dance. Then an energetic dance, in this case, a polka, takes place from bar 10, but not for long, and a dialogue then happens between two independent voices. Then there is a reminder of the first nine bars of the beginning. Such a similarity between these two works leads one to ask oneself if Smetana already knew Chopin's Mazurka Op.50 No.3 when he composed his work Poetic Polkas Op.8 No.2, or whether he composed it in such a way unconsciously.

Mazurka in A flat major, Op.59, No.2. Composed in 1845 in Paris. Beginning in piano dolce, it is presented in forte grandioso in bars 23 to 43. Section B (bars 45 to 68) is not dance-like. The mood increases in expression, aiming to return to the main theme from bar 69. Between bars 82-88, Chopin resorts to improvisation, in which the fingers glide along the keyboard in that usual manner. The real coda starts in bar 89. Then, between bars 108 and 109, a new, fairly rapid improvisation takes place once again.

Mazurka in F minor, Op.63, No.2. Composed in 1846 in Paris. This was one of Chopin's last Mazurkas, which he both composed and published himself. It evokes great simplicity and yet also a deep feeling of sadness.

Mazurka in C sharp minor, Op.63, No.3. Composed in Paris in Autumn 1846. This is one of the last Mazurkas Chopin to be composed and also published. It presents an indecisive atmosphere, in which Chopin is searching for a solution, which he continues to search in a repeat, and which, he is, once again, unable to find, once again ending indecisively. After bar 33 and until bar 46, he is permanently changing the mood, searching for new solutions, which he appears to have then found. However, immediately afterwards, he returns once again to Section A, looking for yet another solution, which he appears to have found in bar 64, where he then leaves
4
this indecisive mood by resorting to somewhat complicated polyphony, enabling hin to find a final solution in bars 77 and 78.

Mazurka in G minor, Op.67, No.2. Chopin composed this work in 1849, in Paris.

Mazurka in A minor, Op.67, No.4. Chopin composed this Mazurka in 1846, in Paris.

Mazurka in C major, Op.68, No.1. Chopin composed this Mazurka in 1829, in Warsaw. These three above were all published posthumously by Julius Fontana in Paris, in 1855.

Mazurka in A minor, Op.68, No.2. Chopin composed this Mazurka in 1827 in Warsaw. It was later also published as a posthumous work by Julius Fontana in Paris, in 1855. This well-known Mazurka is what is commonly known as the Rossignol. The wide popularity of this work is derived from the great poetry it expresses.

Mazurka in F major, Op.68, No.3. Chopin composed this Mazurka in 1829 in Warsaw. It was published as a posthumous work by Julius Fontana in Paris in 1855. This Mazurka however belongs to Chopin's early works. Here the Mazurka has a slightly festive character and it has a possible characteristic which can typically be found in a Polonaise. Its middle section is poco piu vivo, and bars 33-44 provide a very different mood from the one in the other parts. The same sparkling character also appears both in Op.7 No.1 and in Op.6 No.2, enabling Chopin to create both a new dimension and a new mood.

Mazurka in F minor, Op.68, No.4. Chopin composed this Mazurka in Paris in 1849. It was later also published posthumously by Julius Fontana in Paris, in 1855. This is the final Mazurka Chopin composed before his death in October 1849. This one is deeply poetical. By adding the words ad infinitum to the end of this composition, Chopin expresses his farewell to life. Only some of Schubert's final Lieder are able similarly to describe the precise moment at which human life is about to end. Mazurka in B flat major, which Chopin composed in Warsaw in 1825, might have been his first ever mazurka. It was published in Warsaw in 1826.




Back to this. Why not? Certainly a special recording and my comment 2.5 years ago about seriousness and lightness seems pretty perceptive, though I say so myself. Sounds good too.

However - there's a health warning. There is absolutely no sense of the dance, despite the pic on the cover. That being said, here comes another health warning - I have no idea what a mazurka dance looks and feels like!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Todd on October 24, 2021, 11:32:30 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 25, 2021, 11:37:33 AM...although some performers of course use this liberty to go far astray


And bless those who do.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: George on October 27, 2021, 04:57:37 PM
Quote from: Todd on October 24, 2021, 11:32:30 AM

And bless those who do.

Indeed.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 01, 2021, 10:38:25 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1eVUjxDoQL._SL1500_.jpg)

Worth hearing, this one, I think, for the piano of course, an 1853 Pleyel very nicely restored, but also for the rhythms - which in Tatiana Larionova's hands seem complicated and natural at the same time. I like it, I hope she does a release with the rest.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on November 14, 2021, 10:47:42 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on November 01, 2021, 10:38:25 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1eVUjxDoQL._SL1500_.jpg)

Worth hearing, this one, I think, for the piano of course, an 1853 Pleyel very nicely restored, but also for the rhythms - which in Tatiana Larionova's hands seem complicated and natural at the same time. I like it, I hope she does a release with the rest.

Have you ever heard Russell Sherman play the Mazurkas? I think you would find it very unique. Listened to half of disc 1 (Op. 30, 33, 41) in with some of Feldman's first SQ and it was  a nice accidental pairing. Sherman plays the Mazurkas like Nocturnes, he downplays dynamic markings. Of course many other more madening things about them, but I can say I won't mind them in small doses.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 14, 2021, 08:08:46 PM
Quote from: hvbias on November 14, 2021, 10:47:42 AM
Have you ever heard Russell Sherman play the Mazurkas? I think you would find it very unique. Listened to half of disc 1 (Op. 30, 33, 41) in with some of Feldman's first SQ and it was  a nice accidental pairing. Sherman plays the Mazurkas like Nocturnes, he downplays dynamic markings. Of course many other more madening things about them, but I can say I won't mind them in small doses.

Yes when it first came out and I took against it, maybe unfairly. I'll try again
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on November 15, 2021, 02:43:18 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on November 14, 2021, 08:08:46 PM
Yes when it first came out and I took against it, maybe unfairly. I'll try again

He has really good liner notes as well; shockingly lucid for Sherman ;D I'll write out some of these later in the week, some of his insights are spot on. As usual he seems to consider the music quite deeply even if what ends up on disc offends people.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 23, 2022, 09:03:28 AM
Gábor Csalog: Complete Mazurkas. Sensual side.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 24, 2022, 07:25:00 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on November 25, 2014, 01:09:34 AM
Some recent mazurka discoveries, responses collected here really so I don't lose them.

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2010/Sept10/perlemuter_chopin%20mazurkas_5393.jpg)

Perlemuter, more than anyone else I've heard, including Rosen, makes the music sound contrapuntally and harmonically adventurous and experimental. The disonance he produces, in the central sections, presumably by staggering the voices slighly and using the pedal, is totally unexpected.

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/189/MI0003189260.jpg)

Block makes the music sound ambiguous. On the one hand it's political, music which is teaming with patriotic anthems and calls to the fight. On the other it if full of all sorts of ineffable, autumnal feelings, wistfulness. 

Block is from the beautiful tone school of piano playing - burnished, legato, impeccable execution, flowing, rounded, colourful. Despite this, the ambiguity makes these great poetry, as William Empson would have said, and I think this is a magnificent recording.

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/176/MI0001176794.jpg)

Frenczy's touch and timbre is like nothing I can remember hearing, the style is dainty almost, delicate certainly. But I don't think it's trivialising - just listen to what he does with op 17/4! He has all the rhythmic allure of Landowska and Gould. The performances are quite positive emotionally - for Ferenczy these mazurkas are about life. And there's a subtle eneffable emotional undertone - rather introspective, I can't find the words to say more about it.

(http://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/76/76/3610155277676_600.jpg)

Another special recording is by Paul von Schilhawsky. Dramatic, colourful, lots of kick, these are some of the least salon style, most dancing, mazurkas I've heard. But it's much more than dancing, Schilhawsky has a distinctive introspective side to his music making - they always seem to touch strange emotions.

I think. I may not feel the same about these ones tomorrow.

Another thing I feel, I don't know if others will agree, is that these recordings benefit from being substantial selections rather than integrals. Part of the art of making a good mazurka performance is to make a selection which fits your style. I get much much more stimulation from these CDs than I do from the compete sets that I've heard.


Nice post, Mandryka! My vote for Block and Ferenczy. Specifically, Ferenczy's interpretations are unique, innovative and sometimes contrarian, imo. Overall, his performance exudes charisma. Also, Block's delicate, sensitive performance is highly aesthetic.  Many of the famous recordings are too loud and harsh for my personal taste.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 24, 2022, 07:33:09 PM
Csalog' s mazurkas is the only recording by him I really like. He has a Schubert CD which I listened to yesterday after you posted, but it's strange, disconcerting. I spoke to him about it, and he said that they had problems with the piano when they recorded it.  There's also some Kurtag, but I'm not really into the music.


The Perlemuter mazurkas is, similarly, the only recording by him I've ever really enjoyed, at least as far as I remember. (I have vague memories of an outstanding Ravel, Gaspard, and a special Kreisleriana. But it's a long time ago.)  I am going to explore his records this week I hope.

I listened to about half an hour of the Csalog mazurkas yesterday after you posted. They are very special - expressive and lyrical, like arias from operas. I also glanced at the wiki on the mazurkas and there's a comment which I'm sure Csalog would approve of, though it's not supported by a reference

QuoteChopin also tried to compose his mazurkas in such a way that they could not be used for dancing, so as to distance them from the original form.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 24, 2022, 07:57:53 PM
Mandryka, would you please renew/add comment on the Ferenczy?  I think that the recording is special.

Yes, Csalog' s mazurkas has an aura. It's exceptional. Dont know his Schubert, but I thought Csalog's Scriabin was vg. I will check the Perlemuter.

Post-ed. The Perlemuter mazurkas are a little too strong and less atmospheric for my personal taste. Just my personal bias though.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 25, 2022, 09:42:31 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 24, 2022, 07:57:53 PM
Mandryka, would you please renew/add comment on the Ferenczy?  I think that the recording is special.

Yes, Csalog' s mazurkas has an aura. It's exceptional. Dont know his Schubert, but I thought Csalog's Scriabin was vg. I will check the Perlemuter.

Post-ed. The Perlemuter mazurkas are a little too strong and less atmospheric for my personal taste. Just my personal bias though.

Ferenczy was a pupil of Ernst Dohnanyi. I checked some of Dohnanyi's solo recordings - a Chopin nocturne. I think you can hear something in common between teacher and pupil.

The  Ferenczy mazurkas are indeed special, they dance, such a shame that there's little else on record by him that I can find. This must come from somewhere

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng_NAIIrtmI&ab_channel=pianushko

and this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-ARLu-_7Mo&ab_channel=vicsorga
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 25, 2022, 02:16:08 PM
^
Both the mazurka and waltz are exceptional and innovative. The interpretations are so sick and cool. The guy is a contrarian/bad boy, but he always wins.
The Couperin sounds great too.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 26, 2022, 12:47:53 PM
Eugene Indjic: 57 Mazurkas.
Impressive, and very subtle, music without flashiness. Sensitive performance with a silky tone.


(https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music123/v4/bd/ed/05/bded059c-5d4d-a645-817d-909aabddb359/cover.jpg/1000x1000bb.webp)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 26, 2022, 01:03:07 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 26, 2022, 12:47:53 PM
Eugene Indjic: 57 Mazurkas.
Impressive, and very subtle, music without flashiness. Sensitive performance with a silky tone.


(https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music123/v4/bd/ed/05/bded059c-5d4d-a645-817d-909aabddb359/cover.jpg/1000x1000bb.webp)

This was Joyce Hatto!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 26, 2022, 01:26:21 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 26, 2022, 01:03:07 PM
This was Joyce Hatto!

Thank you for the info. Hatto stole from Indjic, not the other way around, correct?

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/opinion/25iht-edutton.4712389.html
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 26, 2022, 01:39:16 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 26, 2022, 01:26:21 PM
Thank you for the info. Hatto stole from Indjic, not the other way around, correct?

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/opinion/25iht-edutton.4712389.html

Indeed. I always liked the Hatto recordings, so I went out of my way to obtain the original pianists' products. I remember buying the Indjic mazurkas at great expense before the days of streaming and downloads. It's a good set, natural and not forceful.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 26, 2022, 01:41:34 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 26, 2022, 01:39:16 PM
Indeed. I always liked the Hatto recordings, so I went out of my way to obtain the original pianists' products. I remember buying the Indjic mazurkas at great expense before the days of streaming and downloads. It's a good set, natural and not forceful.

Thank you for the info. I didn't know about the scandal.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 26, 2022, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 26, 2022, 01:41:34 PM
Thank you for the info. I didn't know about the scandal.

This is the key information resource on the Hatto affair - I wasn't involved in the work which led to the investigations but I know people who were. It was a Herculean task because some of the recordings had been electronically changed - speeded up or slowed down.

http://www.farhanmalik.com/hatto/main.html

The Hatto Chopin Walzes - that's Arthur Moreira-Lima - is especially wonderful IMO.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 26, 2022, 01:55:01 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 26, 2022, 01:50:47 PM
This is the key information resource on the Hatto affair - I wasn't involved in the work which led to the investigations but I know people who were. It was a Herculean task because some of the recordings had been electronically changed - speeded up or slowed down.

http://www.farhanmalik.com/hatto/main.html

The Hatto Chopin Walzes - that's Arthur Moreira-Lima - is especially wonderful IMO.

No offense to the victims, but I wonder if the scandal rather enhanced the victims' prestige and popularity. Now I want the Hatto's disc of this recording!  ;D

I will check the Moreira-Lima. Also the below are the reviews by Tom Deacon, the producer of Philips Great Pianists of the 20th Century series. He provided totally different evaluations on the two discs of the same recording of Chopin etudes:

Yuki Matsuzawa: Faceless, typewriter, neat as a pin but utterly flaccid performances with small, tiny poetic gestures added like so much rouge on the face of a Russian doll. ... Nothing could possibly equal the faceless, spineless, ever-so-tasteful performances of Ms. Matsuzawa. She is the very model of Lily Tomlin's much admired tasteful lady.

Hatto: My oh my, this is a beautiful recording of Chopin's music. The pieces flow so naturally and so completely without precious effects that you might, for a moment, think that there are no other ways of reading the music. ... In Op. 10 No. 1 the right hand is fluent, flawless, clear as a bell, but the real story is the LH, which carries the interest of the piece anyway. The central episode in No. 3 is dramatic, but the drama doesn't overwhelm the A section, either the first or second time round. The C♯ minor, a knucklebuster if ever there was one, is played as a true Presto, but punctuated with all kinds of wondrous LH details. The first black key etude has fluttering RH detail, but again, it is the LH which is truly eloquent. ...The A flat major, Op. 10 No. 10, restores all of Chopin's carefully notated differenciation between one section and another, a veritable study in the ability to vary detached sounds.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Jo498 on April 26, 2022, 11:31:18 PM
I think I bought Matsuzawa's very cheap twofer (Etudes, 2nd sonata and "fillers") after it turned out that the Etudes had been the "Hatto". I witnessed the Hatto scandal from the sidelines but never heard any of the supposed Hatto recordings. It's good but overall mostly elegant, I'd say. I never really paid attention to op.10 and have no clue about piano technique but compared to an extraordinary op.25 like Sokolov's or Francois' crazy interpretations "tasteful" in a slightly derogatory sense doesn't seem totally off the mark. Although it's obviously embarrassing that Deacon praised the very same record under the Hatto label.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 27, 2022, 12:03:25 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on April 26, 2022, 11:31:18 PM
I think I bought Matsuzawa's very cheap twofer (Etudes, 2nd sonata and "fillers") after it turned out that the Etudes had been the "Hatto".

Only in 4 etudes in the first Hatto etudes.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Jo498 on April 27, 2022, 12:44:43 AM
As I said, I never paid close attention or heard any "Hatto" before it blew up. I am not even sure but it could have been that the otherwise unfamiliar Matsuzawa was mentioned/praised after the Hatto scandal blew up. It could also be that I just couldn't resist a twofer priced below 10 Euros...
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 27, 2022, 04:55:49 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 26, 2022, 12:47:53 PM
Eugene Indjic: 57 Mazurkas.
Impressive, and very subtle, music without flashiness. Sensitive performance with a silky tone.


(https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music123/v4/bd/ed/05/bded059c-5d4d-a645-817d-909aabddb359/cover.jpg/1000x1000bb.webp)

I listened again to op 50 and op 56. What I noticed most was how contrapuntal the music is, whether this is something that Indjic has a special feel for I can't say, but I appreciated what he does for that reason.

I noticed he's recorded some other Chopin, and indeed some Schumann, and I listened to the Chopin third sonata and the Davidsbundlertanze. The sonata has a fantastically tempestuous and passionate first movement - similar to the Florestan music in Davidsbundlertanze. The Schumann Eusebius music in DBT is more an erotic dream than a peaceful and pastoral reverie - same for the largo of the sonata.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 27, 2022, 06:05:06 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 27, 2022, 12:03:25 AM
Only in 4 etudes in the first Hatto etudes.

I shouldn't have said two discs of the same recording. My apology.


Quote from: Mandryka on November 01, 2021, 10:38:25 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1eVUjxDoQL._SL1500_.jpg)

Worth hearing, this one, I think, for the piano of course, an 1853 Pleyel very nicely restored, but also for the rhythms - which in Tatiana Larionova's hands seem complicated and natural at the same time. I like it, I hope she does a release with the rest.

I don't know anything about the instrument, but her interpretation and performance are amazing.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on April 27, 2022, 07:19:09 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 27, 2022, 04:55:49 AM
I listened again to op 50 and op 56. What I noticed most was how contrapuntal the music is, whether this is something that Indjic has a special feel for I can't say, but I appreciated what he does for that reason.

I noticed he's recorded some other Chopin, and indeed some Schumann, and I listened to the Chopin third sonata and the Davidsbundlertanze. The sonata has a fantastically tempestuous and passionate first movement - similar to the Florestan music in Davidsbundlertanze. The Schumann Eusebius music in DBT is more an erotic dream than a peaceful and pastoral reverie - same for the largo of the sonata.

I must listen to them, thanks for the tip.

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on April 27, 2022, 11:50:45 AM
Eugen Indjic is reliable, and this discussion spurred me to put on his Chopin mazurka cycle from track one. Fabulous stuff. Expressive liberty but with a sense of "right"-ness. Which I guess means good taste (or that he and I share taste).

Indjic also makes some of the really weird 45 second mini mazurkas stick out in very striking ways.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 27, 2022, 01:14:02 PM
So far, the albums I like are below.

Gyorgy Ferenczy
Gábor Csalog
Eugene Indjic
Tatiana Larionova
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 28, 2022, 08:25:37 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 26, 2022, 01:50:47 PM

The Hatto Chopin Walzes - that's Arthur Moreira-Lima - is especially wonderful IMO.

Likable, sophisticated album. Nuanced, non-flashy performance with fine rhythms. I have only few waltz albums, but I like the recording of Cziffra. For a new record, Alice Sara Ott.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 28, 2022, 10:13:47 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 28, 2022, 08:25:37 AM
Likable, sophisticated album. Nuanced, non-flashy performance with fine rhythms. I have only few waltz albums, but I like the recording of Cziffra. For a new record, Alice Sara Ott.

This was the last one I really got in to - and maybe Fiorentino. I guess we're all too cool for Lipati.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJaYyTu-Kpk
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 28, 2022, 11:59:11 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 28, 2022, 10:13:47 AM
This was the last one I really got in to - and maybe Fiorentino. I guess we're all too cool for Lipati.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJaYyTu-Kpk

Sorry for my ignorance, but please tell me the title of Florentino album.  Thank you.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 28, 2022, 12:06:10 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 28, 2022, 11:59:11 AM
Sorry for my ignorance, but please tell me the title of Florentino album.  Thank you.

There are two sets of recordings of waltzes, one here -- this is the one I was listening to

https://www.discogs.com/release/12771496-Sergio-Fiorentino-Plays-Chopin-19-Waltzes-And-The-3-Ecossaises-Op-72c

And one here, which I have but haven't really explored much

https://www.discogs.com/release/8214622-Sergio-Fiorentino-Early-Recordings-1953-1966-Fiorentino-Edition-Volume-4
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on April 28, 2022, 02:06:33 PM
I've been interested in hearing the mazurkas that Szymon Nehring has recorded (there are two Chopin Institute CDs) because he has one of my favorite performances of op. 25/12, played so tenderly that it sounds more like Rachmaninoff than a standard fare Chopin etude. This performance might be on one of those discs if they're taken from the Chopin competition he was in.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 28, 2022, 05:57:12 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 28, 2022, 12:06:10 PM
There are two sets of recordings of waltzes, one here -- this is the one I was listening to

https://www.discogs.com/release/12771496-Sergio-Fiorentino-Plays-Chopin-19-Waltzes-And-The-3-Ecossaises-Op-72c

And one here, which I have but haven't really explored much

https://www.discogs.com/release/8214622-Sergio-Fiorentino-Early-Recordings-1953-1966-Fiorentino-Edition-Volume-4


I won't be able to find these recordings.  ;D  I will look for his other recordings. The Zimerman is a high-class, delicate and nuanced performance. There is a classy cuteness as well. It is like a fine meal at a 4-5 star French restaurant. It is great, but you may occasionally miss a greasy, salty food at a popular pizzeria in your town. Anyway, it is a great recording.

I think the valses in the recording of Milosz Magin are worth listening to. There is something attractive. His mazurkas are fine as well.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 28, 2022, 11:06:03 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 28, 2022, 05:57:12 PM

I won't be able to find these recordings.  ;D  I will look for his other recordings. The Zimerman is a high-class, delicate and nuanced performance. There is a classy cuteness as well. It is like a fine meal at a 4-5 star French restaurant. It is great, but you may occasionally miss a greasy, salty food at a popular pizzeria in your town. Anyway, it is a great recording.

I think the valses in the recording of Milosz Magin are worth listening to. There is something attractive. His mazurkas are fine as well.

Fiorentino I is all salty food. I can let you have transfers of these things, as you know.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on April 30, 2022, 03:21:57 AM
Speaking of waltzes, cross-post from the WAYL2N thread:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nVXl2OM3L._SS500_.jpg)

This is a crackerjack. The brillante waltzes are brilliantly executed, the more introspective ones have just the right amount of bittersweet melancholy. In both cases, the voices of both hands are markedly delineated, making for a delicious, truly waltzing counterpoint. The splendid, voluptuous, almost achingly beautiful tone of a Bösendorfer (not specified as such in the booklet but clearly distinguishable in the photos) is captured in SOTA sound. An oustanding performance, highly recommended.

Check it out, guys --- or PM me for the FLACs and booklet.

FWIW, Aimo Pagin is the son of Silvia Marcovici.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 30, 2022, 06:40:51 AM
Quote from: Florestan on April 30, 2022, 03:21:57 AM
Speaking of waltzes, cross-post from the WAYL2N thread:

This is a crackerjack. The brillante waltzes are brilliantly executed, the more introspective ones have just the right amount of bittersweet melancholy. In both cases, the voices of both hands are markedly delineated, making for a delicious, truly waltzing counterpoint. The splendid, voluptuous, almost achingly beautiful tone of a Bösendorfer (not specified as such in the booklet but clearly distinguishable in the photos) is captured in SOTA sound. An oustanding performance, highly recommended.

Check it out, guys --- or PM me for the FLACs and booklet.

FWIW, Aimo Pagin is the son of Silvia Marcovici.

Great! I will check the album!


Quote from: Mandryka on April 26, 2022, 01:50:47 PM

The Hatto Chopin Walzes - that's Arthur Moreira-Lima - is especially wonderful IMO.

Again, I think this is a very fine album.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 01, 2022, 09:46:53 AM
Quote from: hvbias on April 28, 2022, 02:06:33 PM
I've been interested in hearing the mazurkas that Szymon Nehring has recorded (there are two Chopin Institute CDs) because he has one of my favorite performances of op. 25/12, played so tenderly that it sounds more like Rachmaninoff than a standard fare Chopin etude. This performance might be on one of those discs if they're taken from the Chopin competition he was in.

There are a handful of mazurkas recorded, and he does play very tenderly. The op 25/12 is tender too, as you say.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 01, 2022, 09:48:24 AM
Quote from: Florestan on April 30, 2022, 03:21:57 AM
Speaking of waltzes, cross-post from the WAYL2N thread:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nVXl2OM3L._SS500_.jpg)

This is a crackerjack. The brillante waltzes are brilliantly executed, the more introspective ones have just the right amount of bittersweet melancholy. In both cases, the voices of both hands are markedly delineated, making for a delicious, truly waltzing counterpoint. The splendid, voluptuous, almost achingly beautiful tone of a Bösendorfer (not specified as such in the booklet but clearly distinguishable in the photos) is captured in SOTA sound. An oustanding performance, highly recommended.

Check it out, guys --- or PM me for the FLACs and booklet.

FWIW, Aimo Pagin is the son of Silvia Marcovici.

I'll listen to this one soon, at the moment my attention is rather grabbed by Stephen Hough's Waltzes.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 08, 2022, 05:47:14 AM
Quote from: hvbias on November 14, 2021, 10:47:42 AM
Have you ever heard Russell Sherman play the Mazurkas? I think you would find it very unique. Listened to half of disc 1 (Op. 30, 33, 41) in with some of Feldman's first SQ and it was  a nice accidental pairing. Sherman plays the Mazurkas like Nocturnes, he downplays dynamic markings. Of course many other more madening things about them, but I can say I won't mind them in small doses.

Yes, the Sherman recording is a unique and interesting performance. Accent (and occasional accelerations) are placed on the downbeat (first beat)? This makes some interpretations sound like jazz solo piano a little. Overall, likable and unique recording. Only minor problem for me is that sometimes he plays extended trills and they are not for me.


Still listening to the Magin Waltzes and like them a lot.


(https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20796.0;attach=86311;image)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on May 11, 2022, 05:41:16 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 08, 2022, 05:47:14 AM
Yes, the Sherman recording is a unique and interesting performance. Accent (and occasional accelerations) are placed on the downbeat (first beat)? This makes some interpretations sound like jazz solo piano a little. Overall, likable and unique recording. Only minor problem for me is that sometimes he plays extended trills and they are not for me.


Still listening to the Magin Waltzes and like them a lot.


(https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20796.0;attach=86311;image)

Like jazz is a very good description. I should revisit these again, it is the cycle that I can only listen to in short bursts, not that I'd regularly be playing two full CDs of mazurkas. If I ever have the chance to see him again live this would be the recording that I would want to talk to him about.

BTW you should hear Szymanowski's mazurkas if you haven't heard them yet, in many ways I like them more than Chopin's as they have some dissonance and modern leanings. I hear Chopin, Scriabin, and Sorabji in them, even hints of Schoenberg.

Since I haven't posted my favorites to this thread, in general my favorite sets come from pianists that never recorded a full cycle.

Raoul von Koczalski - these are jubilant, light hearted, and with the innocence of a child. op. 33 no 4 for example (https://youtu.be/hVkw4iSwaeI), this would be ~ 5 minutes give or take for a mainstream interpretation. Koczalski forgoes any morose qualities about it. Koczalski is the one I picture in my head that I can routinely see orchestrated with Polish dancers dancing to in traditional attire! There are loads of great performances from the pre-war era.

Remainder of my favorites - Fou Ts'ong Westminster, followed by the CBS/Sony to have a full set, and then Maryla Jonas. There have been some great performances in the last few Chopin competitions as well, the great ones play them with such ease and naturalness.

Quote from: Mandryka on May 01, 2022, 09:46:53 AM
There are a handful of mazurkas recorded, and he does play very tenderly. The op 25/12 is tender too, as you say.

Thanks, looking forward to hearing them.

Since the waltzes were brought up, I'd always been under the impression these were of more interest to pianists than general listeners. I used to know a girl that would play them in our student common area, she played them like Lipatti with constant speeding up slowing down; not a complaint about Lipatti as he and Alice Sara Ott are the only two cycles that have really captured my attention.

edit: on the mazurkas, Koroliov is another that if I am remembering right was a bit off the beaten path. I think his interpretations were along the lines of Michelangeli in forgoing the rhythmic aspects of the music and focusing more on the color.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 11, 2022, 08:03:31 PM
^ Yes, I like Szymanowski Mazurkas! As for the Alice Sara Ott album, first time I listened to it I thought that her performance was so powerless and lacking liveliness and color. But later, I recognized her own unique, subtle nuances/beauty. Her music is like a water paint art while others are oil paintings. Funny I am not fond of her other albums.

The Koczalski sounds very Polish!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on May 12, 2022, 05:17:51 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 11, 2022, 08:03:31 PM
^ Yes, I like Szymanowski Mazurkas! As for the Alice Sara Ott album, first time I listened to it I thought that her performance was so powerless and lacking liveliness and color. But later, I recognized her own unique, subtle nuances/beauty. Her music is like a water paint art while others are oil paintings. Funny I am not fond of her other albums.

The Koczalski sounds very Polish!

I completely agree with you on your description of Alice Sara Ott in the waltzes. They are very subtle, I listened to the Hyperion sample of Stephen Hough on Youtube and I would say she is the 180 degree opposite of him.

Her album Nightfall is actually my favorite album from her (I think I've heard everything from her and this and the waltzes are the only two I like), I love the concept and I think she executes it brilliantly. The beautiful coloring, slightly slower tempi, subtle rubato, and the pieces she selected. Strangely I don't think I would have Gaspard among my favorite interpretations but when taken with the other pieces works very well. It was in my heavy listening for late night, lights off, but just the glow of the OTL amps.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 12, 2022, 07:26:00 PM
I will re-listen Nightfall. Yes, I think Ott's strength is her rhythm and her artful decision/diversification of tempi. Personally, a great majority of Mazurkas and Waltz recordings sound too loud for me and I like Sex Pistols and Deep Purple. The Maryla Jonas is jazzy and cool.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 12, 2022, 11:33:16 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 12, 2022, 07:26:00 PM
I will re-listen Nightfall. Yes, I think Ott's strength is her rhythm and her artful decision/diversification of tempi. Personally, a great majority of Mazurkas and Waltz recordings sound too loud for me and I like Sex Pistols and Deep Purple. The Maryla Jonas is jazzy and cool.

I think you may like Claudio Arrau's waltzes.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 13, 2022, 06:59:53 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 12, 2022, 11:33:16 PM
I think you may like Claudio Arrau's waltzes.

Likable performance, but it is not one of my favorites. I don't know why. So far my favorite waltzes are Magin, Ott, Cziffra (a liitle loud), Moreira-Lima (Joyce Hatto), Florentino and Zimerman. Plus Entremont and Katsaris partially.

Just in case, the below is a link for Zimerman's Waltzes in live in Japan. I think it is vg. Again, the performance is high class and aristocratic side.

https://youtu.be/bKmkYRAlhZI
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 13, 2022, 07:24:33 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 13, 2022, 06:59:53 AM
Katsaris

Unbearable!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on May 13, 2022, 07:31:40 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 13, 2022, 06:59:53 AM
my favorite waltzes are Magin

Speaking of which, I have his complete Chopin series on Decca (10 discs, FLAC and booklet). If anyone is interested either in the whole stuff or specific works, just PM me, folks.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 13, 2022, 07:34:12 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 13, 2022, 07:24:33 AM
Unbearable!

;D ;D ;D

Why? Nice tempi and some good ideas without annoying show-off. Tone may be slightly hard, but I am sure some/many people like it.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 13, 2022, 07:35:52 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 13, 2022, 07:31:40 AM
Speaking of which, I have his complete Chopin series on Decca (10 discs, FLAC and booklet). If anyone is interested either in the whole stuff or specific works, just PM me, folks.

Have a nice weekend, Andrei!  :)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 13, 2022, 07:36:05 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 13, 2022, 07:34:12 AM
;D ;D ;D

Why? Nice tempi and some good ideas without annoying show-off. Tone may be slightly hard, but I am sure some/many people like it.

It's because he does the same thing in each waltz -- he brings out an inner voice in a repeat. I remember feeling it becomes very predictable.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on May 13, 2022, 07:38:32 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814xhaM+GEL._SL1500_.jpg)

I listened to that on Spotify recently and enjoyed it a lot. Haebler was first and foremost a Mozart specialist, and this can only be beneficial when it comes to playing Chopin.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 13, 2022, 07:41:35 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 13, 2022, 07:36:05 AM
It's because he does the same thing in each waltz -- he brings out an inner voice in a repeat. I remember feeling it becomes very predictable.

Ok. I need some time to find it out. Thank you.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on May 13, 2022, 07:55:40 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 12, 2022, 07:26:00 PM
I will re-listen Nightfall. Yes, I think Ott's strength is her rhythm and her artful decision/diversification of tempi. Personally, a great majority of Mazurkas and Waltz recordings sound too loud for me and I like Sex Pistols and Deep Purple. The Maryla Jonas is jazzy and cool.

Understood. For me the mazurkas should be tumultuous in that pre-war style of pianists with close pedigree to Liszt and Chopin students. That's why I was so enamored by Ts'ong who is one of the very few that continues that tradition except in more palatable sound quality.

Quote from: hvbias on May 12, 2022, 05:17:51 PM
It was in my heavy listening for late night, lights off, but just the glow of the OTL amps.

This is why I also love Chopin's nocturnes, and they are my favorite of his bodies of work. The really great performances have that feeling in the air when you can listen to this music when it's dead quiet at night.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 22, 2022, 10:40:09 AM
Quote from: hvbias on May 11, 2022, 05:41:16 PM
Alice Sara Ott

Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 11, 2022, 08:03:31 PM
^ Yes, I like Szymanowski Mazurkas! As for the Alice Sara Ott album, first time I listened to it I thought that her performance was so powerless and lacking liveliness and color. But later, I recognized her own unique, subtle nuances/beauty. Her music is like a water paint art while others are oil paintings. Funny I am not fond of her other albums.


Yes, very good, like Ott, thanks for mentioning.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 22, 2022, 11:22:16 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 22, 2022, 10:40:09 AM
Yes, very good, like Ott, thanks for mentioning.

I thought that somehow the performances by Ott and Zimerman are on cool, aristocratic side while other players are in hot/romantic school.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 22, 2022, 12:05:12 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 22, 2022, 11:22:16 AM
I thought that somehow the performances by Ott and Zimerman are on cool, aristocratic side while other players are in hot/romantic school.

Would you call Koroliov's mazurkas cool and aristo? That may work for me.  For some reason, when I listened to Ott's Waltzes I thought of Koroliov's mazurkas, that's why I mention it.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 22, 2022, 01:09:12 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 22, 2022, 12:05:12 PM
Would you call Koroliov's mazurkas cool and aristo? That may work for me.  For some reason, when I listened to Ott's Waltzes I thought of Koroliov's mazurkas, that's why I mention it.

Yes, I would. The term "cool" may be misleading, my apology. I meant to suggest a dignified, non-flashy, no-loud, subtle elegance.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on May 27, 2022, 09:32:57 AM
The waltzes might be worth hearing from Brailowsky. Being so taken by the two Ts'ong boxes has had me in a real Chopin mood exploring recordings and reissues I haven't heard. In general I didn't think Brailowsky was all that great, but the waltzes seem to be an exception.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zJYoUBiKL._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on May 27, 2022, 09:55:59 AM
Quote from: hvbias on May 27, 2022, 09:32:57 AM
The waltzes might be worth hearing from Brailowsky. Being so taken by the two Ts'ong boxes has had me in a real Chopin mood exploring recordings and reissues I haven't heard. In general I didn't think Brailowsky was all that great, but the waltzes seem to be an exception.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zJYoUBiKL._SL1500_.jpg)

I listened to Brailowsky very recently in this incarnation:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/716pkrBtqZL._SL1500_.jpg)

I enjoyed them a lot. And the sonata is not half bad either.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on May 27, 2022, 04:29:44 PM
Quote from: Florestan on May 27, 2022, 09:55:59 AM
I listened to Brailowsky very recently in this incarnation:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/716pkrBtqZL._SL1500_.jpg)

I enjoyed them a lot. And the sonata is not half bad either.

Thanks, just ordered it after giving the waltzes another playthrough. I think I'd characterize them as small scale, not much extremes in any expressive technique, but not as subtle as Alice Sara Ott either. Smiling performances :)

Who do you chaps like in the Preludes? My favorites below, and no Howard Shelley vs Leslie Howard cockups here I promise  :laugh: All of these compiled through notes and relistening in cases where I only had stuff written down on paper which predated GDocs.

Moravec (VAI) - very... Moravec, tumultuous, deep powerful playing
Andrea Lucchesini - dark, like imagine his Adagio of the Hammerklavier now in the Preludes
Sokolov (Naive) - serious, bordering on gravely serious
Argerich - what you'd expect from Argerich, forward moving
Russell Sherman - fluid, among the less weird Sherman recordings. You can hear him talk about the Preludes a bit on a Youtube interview with David Dubal
Rafael Orozco - huge thanks to Holden for mentioning these Preludes. He is just a phenomenal pianist (Rachmaninoff Piano Concerti, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Brahms op. 5 sonata)

Ts'ong - still evaluating
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 28, 2022, 07:05:21 AM
I only have Sofronitsky and Rafal Blechacz. I will check the Orozco.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: George on May 28, 2022, 07:12:01 AM
I'm very happy and content with my two mono Rubinstein sets, my Wasowski and my Luisada (DG) sets.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Todd on May 28, 2022, 07:55:30 AM
A few years back I went on a mini-Mazurka bender.  Among complete sets I've heard, I prefer playing with an individual, or really interventionist, sound.  Vassily Primakov, Pietro De Maria, Arthur Rubinstein's first set, Yakov Flier, and Luisada's RCA set all stand out for me, with the unabashedly self-indulgent Primakov probably my favorite.  He seems to be one of those pianists who plays music a certain way just because he can.  As such, I'd love to see him take up recording again.

Among incomplete but still substantial blobs of Mazurkas, the inimitable Michel Block (on Pro Piano), William Kapell, and the micro-managed to the Nth degree Klara Min all stand out.  For small but substantive blobs, Halina Czerny-Stefańska and Ivan Moravec stand out.

Now that I stream more and more, I may have to dive even deeper to find the one or two or three new sets that hit the spot.  No other Chopin works seem to withstand such variety of interpretation.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on May 28, 2022, 08:14:35 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 28, 2022, 07:05:21 AM
I only have Sofronitsky and Rafal Blechacz. I will check the Orozco.

Ah Sofronitsky (https://i.imgur.com/bgaDsRF.png)  I completely forgot to include him in my survey of the Preludes, I seem to recall they were excellent, deeply passionate interpretations. He is my resounding favorite for the Scriabin Mazurkas by a wide margin. I am super thankful for the Japanese for releasing about a dozen of his Melodiya discs without NR.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 28, 2022, 09:06:40 AM
Quote from: hvbias on May 27, 2022, 04:29:44 PM
Thanks, just ordered it after giving the waltzes another playthrough. I think I'd characterize them as small scale, not much extremes in any expressive technique, but not as subtle as Alice Sara Ott either. Smiling performances :)

Who do you chaps like in the Preludes? My favorites below, and no Howard Shelley vs Leslie Howard cockups here I promise  :laugh: All of these compiled through notes and relistening in cases where I only had stuff written down on paper which predated GDocs.

Moravec (VAI) - very... Moravec, tumultuous, deep powerful playing
Andrea Lucchesini - dark, like imagine his Adagio of the Hammerklavier now in the Preludes
Sokolov (Naive) - serious, bordering on gravely serious
Argerich - what you'd expect from Argerich, forward moving
Russell Sherman - fluid, among the less weird Sherman recordings. You can hear him talk about the Preludes a bit on a Youtube interview with David Dubal
Rafael Orozco - huge thanks to Holden for mentioning these Preludes. He is just a phenomenal pianist (Rachmaninoff Piano Concerti, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Brahms op. 5 sonata)

Ts'ong - still evaluating

You should listen to Cortot (the 1955 Munich recital has good sound -- best performance is earlier probably), Demidenko, Arrau live in Prague, Perahia, Wojciec Switala, Pletnev in Dubai last week, Shura Cherkassky, Pogorelich, Vladimir Tropp, Emil Gilels possibly, Deszo Ranki's second recording (be careful, not the first), Pollini in 1975 (I can let you have it), Friedrich Gulda, Sofro in Tokyo maybe, Moiseiewitsch maybe (however it's spelt.) I haven't kept up with recent performances, but that should keep you busy for a while.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 28, 2022, 09:46:11 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 28, 2022, 09:06:40 AM
You should listen to Cortot (the 1955 Munich recital has good sound -- best performance is earlier probably), Demidenko, Arrau live in Prague, Perahia, Wojciec Switala, Pletnev in Dubai last week, Shura Cherkassky, Pogorelich, Vladimir Tropp, Emil Gilels possibly, Deszo Ranki's second recording (be careful, not the first), Pollini in 1975 (I can let you have it), Friedrich Gulda, Sofro in Tokyo maybe, Moiseiewitsch maybe (however it's spelt.) I haven't kept up with recent performances, but that should keep you busy for a while.

I only see this 1982 recording. This is it?

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81k9o4VlLYL._SS500_.jpg)


Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 28, 2022, 09:57:47 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 13, 2022, 06:59:53 AMPlus Entremont and Katsaris partially.


As for the Waltzes, I still think the Entremont and Katsaris are fine/decent in terms of performance. Their tones are just too bright and hard for my personal taste.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 28, 2022, 09:58:16 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 28, 2022, 09:46:11 AM
I only see this 1982 recording. This is it?

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81k9o4VlLYL._SS500_.jpg)

No, this

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l0jLZLcRrjE

(I can let you have the files of the concert if you want. Good sound.)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 29, 2022, 12:36:54 PM
Quote from: hvbias on May 27, 2022, 04:29:44 PM
Thanks, just ordered it after giving the waltzes another playthrough. I think I'd characterize them as small scale, not much extremes in any expressive technique, but not as subtle as Alice Sara Ott either. Smiling performances :)

Who do you chaps like in the Preludes? My favorites below, and no Howard Shelley vs Leslie Howard cockups here I promise  :laugh: All of these compiled through notes and relistening in cases where I only had stuff written down on paper which predated GDocs.

Moravec (VAI) - very... Moravec, tumultuous, deep powerful playing
Andrea Lucchesini - dark, like imagine his Adagio of the Hammerklavier now in the Preludes
Sokolov (Naive) - serious, bordering on gravely serious
Argerich - what you'd expect from Argerich, forward moving
Russell Sherman - fluid, among the less weird Sherman recordings. You can hear him talk about the Preludes a bit on a Youtube interview with David Dubal
Rafael Orozco - huge thanks to Holden for mentioning these Preludes. He is just a phenomenal pianist (Rachmaninoff Piano Concerti, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Brahms op. 5 sonata)

Ts'ong - still evaluating

Have you heard Moravec's first recording of the preludes, the one for the Connoisseur Society? If you haven't I can let you have it: I'd be curious to know how you see his two interpretations.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on May 29, 2022, 05:50:47 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 28, 2022, 09:06:40 AM
You should listen to Cortot (the 1955 Munich recital has good sound -- best performance is earlier probably), Demidenko, Arrau live in Prague, Perahia, Wojciec Switala, Pletnev in Dubai last week, Shura Cherkassky, Pogorelich, Vladimir Tropp, Emil Gilels possibly, Deszo Ranki's second recording (be careful, not the first), Pollini in 1975 (I can let you have it), Friedrich Gulda, Sofro in Tokyo maybe, Moiseiewitsch maybe (however it's spelt.) I haven't kept up with recent performances, but that should keep you busy for a while.

I've heard some of them, the more mainstream studio ones in your list, in my post I wanted to just focus on the ones I liked most to keep the post succinct. I did not listen to Moiseiwitsch and other pre-war sets that are incomplete since there are too many complete sets. I'm going to take a break from my survey of the preludes for now, my main interest in this was wanting to gather up my favorites by compiling my paper era writing with my digital notes.

Ts'ong update since I had him on pending - I listened to this a couple of times after the Sony box came out and didn't find them particularly noteworthy so I set them aside until revisiting them this weekend. He has a gorgeous rich (but not burnished ala Moravec on VAI) tone. The interpretations are fluid like Sherman. Maybe it's unfair to include Sherman in my favorites and leave Ts'ong off of it, but I have known the Sherman for a lot longer. Both are the opposite style of Lucchesini/Sokolov/Moravec, there is less darkness in either of them. I wish Ts'ong brought some of that swagger and panache from the rest of this Chopin recordings to the preludes (mazurkas notes below which I am in complete agreement with). For instance in the F sharp minor prelude he could have played it like he plays some Chopin pieces where it sounds like things are just on the cusp of falling apart.

(https://i.imgur.com/N97aLt8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hPd5qK6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3bsqfhZ.jpg)

One other note as this is the first time I'm reading the Sony booklet, Jed Distler calls the preludes "improvisatory," but this is never how I've envisioned the preludes. For me this is what the mazurkas sound like, and why they'd be my first choice of Chopin to play for enjoyment if I were at the level of being capable of playing them. But as a listener I get more pleasure from the preludes and nocturnes.

Quote from: Mandryka on May 29, 2022, 12:36:54 PM
Have you heard Moravec's first recording of the preludes, the one for the Connoisseur Society? If you haven't I can let you have it: I'd be curious to know how you see his two interpretations.

I am pretty sure the VAI I referenced are the Connoisseur Society recordings licensed for CD. I did briefly hear some of the Supraphon performances for noteworthy preludes but cut it short since I pretty much had no change in heart in preferring the VAI over Supraphon.

edit: one other interesting quote from Ts'ong that I'm not really sure what to make of - "...I wouldn't say he [Chopin] is the greatest composer of all time. He is however, the greatest "artist" of a composer if you know what I mean. And in that sense I think he appeals very much to us Orientals. There is just that incredible quality of taste and subtlety"
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 29, 2022, 08:34:31 PM
Very much enjoying Richter's 1979 preludes.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Brian on May 30, 2022, 04:59:06 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 28, 2022, 07:55:30 AM
A few years back I went on a mini-Mazurka bender.  Among complete sets I've heard, I prefer playing with an individual, or really interventionist, sound.  Vassily Primakov, Pietro De Maria, Arthur Rubinstein's first set, Yakov Flier, and Luisada's RCA set all stand out for me, with the unabashedly self-indulgent Primakov probably my favorite.  He seems to be one of those pianists who plays music a certain way just because he can.  As such, I'd love to see him take up recording again.

Among incomplete but still substantial blobs of Mazurkas, the inimitable Michel Block (on Pro Piano), William Kapell, and the micro-managed to the Nth degree Klara Min all stand out.  For small but substantive blobs, Halina Czerny-Stefańska and Ivan Moravec stand out.

Now that I stream more and more, I may have to dive even deeper to find the one or two or three new sets that hit the spot.  No other Chopin works seem to withstand such variety of interpretation.
Primakov on LP Classics, correct? I used to check their new releases both for his recordings and for archived stuff with his teacher Vera Gornostaeva. You're right, he kind of turned to producing others' projects instead, and it looks like the label as a whole may now be defunct.

I recently enjoyed streaming the Eugen Indjic cycle in three sittings.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Todd on May 30, 2022, 07:24:57 AM
Quote from: Brian on May 30, 2022, 04:59:06 AMPrimakov on LP Classics, correct?

Yes.  Sometimes, some artists just stop making widely distributed commercial recordings for whatever reason.  Look at Julia Fischer, for instance.  Hopefully, artists in their prime can make it back into the studio, or at least have some live recordings released.

Indjic is indeed excellent in this repertoire - and all repertoire I've heard him play. 
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 08:16:25 AM
The Primakov mazurkas are on YouTube and Spotify.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 08:21:15 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 24, 2019, 04:42:38 AM
Pletnev plays 30 minutes of mazurkas, I don't know what to make of it really, it's refined and poetic and reticent.

https://www.youtube.com/v/ruVA4kKpaAc&t=121s

Listening to Pletnev again. These are seriously interesting mazurkas.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 30, 2022, 08:43:27 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 29, 2022, 08:34:31 PM
Very much enjoying Richter's 1979 preludes.

If you are talking about the Tokyo live/Olympia, I was thinking about mentioning about it. Plus, I like the album below. Cortot is extraordinary.


(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk0NjY0MS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1ODM5MjA2NTF9)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 30, 2022, 08:45:43 AM
Quote from: Todd on May 28, 2022, 07:55:30 AM
A few years back I went on a mini-Mazurka bender.  Among complete sets I've heard, I prefer playing with an individual, or really interventionist, sound.  Vassily Primakov, Pietro De Maria, Arthur Rubinstein's first set, Yakov Flier, and Luisada's RCA set all stand out for me, with the unabashedly self-indulgent Primakov probably my favorite.  He seems to be one of those pianists who plays music a certain way just because he can.  As such, I'd love to see him take up recording again.

Among incomplete but still substantial blobs of Mazurkas, the inimitable Michel Block (on Pro Piano), William Kapell, and the micro-managed to the Nth degree Klara Min all stand out.  For small but substantive blobs, Halina Czerny-Stefańska and Ivan Moravec stand out.

Now that I stream more and more, I may have to dive even deeper to find the one or two or three new sets that hit the spot.  No other Chopin works seem to withstand such variety of interpretation.

I like the Michel Block and William Kapel !
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 09:08:00 AM
Here's some Chopin preludes by a historic mystery pianist. If you don't know who it is you will NEVER guess. The sound is everything that the word "historic" suggests, but it's listenable.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b4s99gy3gxOghKE4Hb89XR5Cdt_9-N3o/view?usp=sharing
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Florestan on May 30, 2022, 10:49:22 AM
Looks like Fou Ts'ong recorded the Mazurkas two times:

The complete set on Sony Classics

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tkWY+CJLL.jpg)

and just 18 of them on Westminster:

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMwMzYzNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mzk1ODM0MzV9)

What is your preference between these two, folks?

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 11:43:37 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 30, 2022, 10:49:22 AM
Looks like Fou Ts'ong recorded the Mazurkas two times:

The complete set on Sony Classics

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tkWY+CJLL.jpg)

and just 18 of them on Westminster:

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMwMzYzNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mzk1ODM0MzV9)

What is your preference between these two, folks?

There is also this


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mazurkas-by-Fou-Tsong-2009-11-10/dp/B01K8R6MEM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1K6VUVD3K3EOV&keywords=four+mazurkas+cd&qid=1653939787&sprefix=fou+mazurkas+cd%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 11:53:23 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 30, 2022, 08:45:43 AM
I like the Michel Block and William Kapel !

I think you will like this, it is probably my favourite complete set on modern piano

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mazurkas-by-Fou-Tsong-2009-11-10/dp/B01K8R6MEM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1K6VUVD3K3EOV&keywords=four+mazurkas+cd&qid=1653939787&sprefix=fou+mazurkas+cd%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 30, 2022, 08:42:04 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 11:53:23 AM
I think you will like this, it is probably my favourite complete set on modern piano

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mazurkas-by-Fou-Tsong-2009-11-10/dp/B01K8R6MEM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1K6VUVD3K3EOV&keywords=four+mazurkas+cd&qid=1653939787&sprefix=fou+mazurkas+cd%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-1

Yes, it is a great recording while I like the Sony set as well!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 11:58:36 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 30, 2022, 08:42:04 PM
Yes, it is a great recording while I like the Sony set as well!

I'm sorry, I put the wrong link in, I meant to point out Nina Milkina's recording

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2001/nov01/Chopin_Mazurkas.htm

That Fou recordinb on a Pleyel seems to me to be less interesting than his Sony disc. I don't know the Nonsuch one.  But the Milkina is everything that the musicweb review says it is.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 31, 2022, 09:06:05 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 11:58:36 PM
I'm sorry, I put the wrong link in, I meant to point out Nina Milkina's recording

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2001/nov01/Chopin_Mazurkas.htm

That Fou recordinb on a Pleyel seems to me to be less interesting than his Sony disc. I don't know the Nonsuch one.  But the Milkina is everything that the musicweb review says it is.

Ok, I will send an email to the address mentioned in the article!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 31, 2022, 09:11:36 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 31, 2022, 09:06:05 AM
Ok, I will send an email to the address mentioned in the article!

You can sample it here

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UJFmfobtXM8
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on May 31, 2022, 03:36:20 PM
Quote from: Florestan on May 30, 2022, 10:49:22 AM
Looks like Fou Ts'ong recorded the Mazurkas two times:

The complete set on Sony Classics

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tkWY+CJLL.jpg)

and just 18 of them on Westminster:

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTMwMzYzNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mzk1ODM0MzV9)

What is your preference between these two, folks?

The performances are slightly better on the Westminster, but at the time of me hearing the Sony set a few times I considered it in my top 1 or 2 favorite sets, and I still do.

Quote from: Mandryka on May 28, 2022, 09:06:40 AM
You should listen to Cortot (the 1955 Munich recital has good sound -- best performance is earlier probably), Demidenko, Arrau live in Prague, Perahia, Wojciec Switala, Pletnev in Dubai last week, Shura Cherkassky, Pogorelich, Vladimir Tropp, Emil Gilels possibly, Deszo Ranki's second recording (be careful, not the first), Pollini in 1975 (I can let you have it), Friedrich Gulda, Sofro in Tokyo maybe, Moiseiewitsch maybe (however it's spelt.) I haven't kept up with recent performances, but that should keep you busy for a while.

I lied about taking a break from them  ;D I listened to Arrau 1960 live in Prague, APR CD if that is the one you mean? There is a lot of continuous background noise, with heavy breathing and white noise in the audience. I thought Arrau's phrasing was a bit strange in many of them. Due to the sound quality I only listened to the first ten. I haven't heard his Philips recording in ages, if I am remembering right I liked nearly all his Chopin recordings on Philips, maybe save for the waltzes.

Quote from: Mandryka on May 30, 2022, 11:58:36 PM

That Fou recordinb on a Pleyel seems to me to be less interesting than his Sony disc. I don't know the Nonsuch one.  But the Milkina is everything that the musicweb review says it is.

Yes, I agree. I bought that "Real Chopin" box years ago, and didn't think his interpretations of the Mazurkas was anything revolutionary like on the Westminster or Sony, for instance I didn't think to look more into his recordings because of that Pleyel recording.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on May 31, 2022, 07:50:28 PM
As far as I can see there's no other live Arrau recording of op. 28.

What some people say they can hear in the Prague performance is that somehow magically he creates a sense of flow, logical movement, from one prelude to the next. So that the whole thing seems like a single piece of music. No one ever explains what he's doing to create this effect, and it's the sort of suggestion which can hypnotise, a sort of group think which even this post is contributing to. I'm afraid I've been hypnotised.

Here's Jed Distler on it

https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-5821/

I didn't notice any problematic ideas about phrasing in there. The sound didn't create a problem for me either - I think the transfer is rather good actually, despite the audience noise etc.

I don't know that I've ever listened to the Philips recording, if I have it clearly didn't have an impact.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 31, 2022, 08:10:23 PM
Enjoying some Mazurkas in this album this evening.



(https://pixhost.icu/avaxhome/d7/6f/00296fd7_medium.jpeg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 03, 2022, 05:52:23 AM
A few mazurkas and some other things. I think this is a likable recording while I am not a big fan of his other recordings.




  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81an5AcXBHL._SS500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on June 03, 2022, 04:18:35 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 31, 2022, 07:50:28 PM
As far as I can see there's no other live Arrau recording of op. 28.

What some people say they can hear in the Prague performance is that somehow magically he creates a sense of flow, logical movement, from one prelude to the next. So that the whole thing seems like a single piece of music. No one ever explains what he's doing to create this effect, and it's the sort of suggestion which can hypnotise, a sort of group think which even this post is contributing to. I'm afraid I've been hypnotised.

Here's Jed Distler on it

https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-5821/

I didn't notice any problematic ideas about phrasing in there. The sound didn't create a problem for me either - I think the transfer is rather good actually, despite the audience noise etc.

I don't know that I've ever listened to the Philips recording, if I have it clearly didn't have an impact.

I gave this a listen on speakers, this is a lot more palatable than on in ear monitors that inject the sound straight into your head while isolating all outside noise.

There is something strange about this in that his tempi sound brisker than they actually are, with a handful of exceptions the timings on each prelude are very near identical to the Philips recording (Jed Distler also calls the tempi brisk, I wonder if he looked at the timings between the two? It's easy with both in a playlist); I don't have my Complete American Decca box at this house to see if he recorded this twice in the studio, so I am using the 1980s Chopin Philips box, and it says these studio recordings are from 1973.

The major thing that stands out to me between the two is there is a somewhat detached quality to the live recording, like being on the outside looking in. The Philips is much more conventional in how grounded it is. I do agree with Jed Distler that there is less reckless abandon on the 1973 studio. Where he says "What's more, Arrau's organic feeling for the music's underlying polyphony (as opposed to picking out "inner voices" at random) belies Richard Wagner's description of Chopin as a "one handed composer" is pretty evident on the Philips as well.

The live recording might just be too subtle for me  ;D
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on July 01, 2022, 09:46:38 AM
(https://cdn.naxos.com/SharedFiles/images/cds/others/8.110656-57.gif)

I remember once driving right across London, that's a long drive, listening to Rubinstein's first recording. What really impressed me then was the sense that each mazurka is freshly minted and each mazurka has its own personality. I didn't want to change the CD in the car at all. There is nothing blasé about this cycle. Something of that feeling remains today. It's well worth listening to.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on July 06, 2022, 11:17:36 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on June 25, 2015, 04:40:15 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/712KRRXCwiL._SX355_.jpg)

Janina Fialkowska plays Chopin's mazurkas. This is some of the the most emotionally subtle, nuanced and varied, the most beautiful, the most focused, mazurka playing I have heard.  It is also the least stormy, the least passionate, the most "tasteful", the most genteel.

Back to this for the first time in 7 years and what I said before is what I'd say now. Not for me in my current state of mind, but it may well be for someone else. It's a bit buttoned up - maybe a bit overthunk. The sound is state of the art studio processed piano.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on July 06, 2022, 11:32:48 PM
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273f172a21d3460b9e60f4babe0)

Anyone know anything about Maria Christina Mohovich?  Some of these mazurkas seem so strong and characterful they make me think of Tipo's nocturnes. There's a good Schumann Cd too - symphonic etudes.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Leo K. on July 07, 2022, 09:05:51 AM
(http://legacysongfiles.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/1ac7d8c26c403c4d48d2dd74b06dc563/0/0/00501235_1.jpg)

I really love this recording from Sergio Fiorentino (Newport Music Festival) - each Mazurka is forceful in a way, with intention and truly like a dance. Same with the other works on this recording!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 07, 2022, 06:06:18 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on July 06, 2022, 11:32:48 PM
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273f172a21d3460b9e60f4babe0)

Anyone know anything about Maria Christina Mohovich?  Some of these mazurkas seem so strong and characterful they make me think of Tipo's nocturnes. There's a good Schumann Cd too - symphonic etudes.

Likable and interesting performance. Unique rhythm and timing. A little contrarian. I like it! 
P.s. your message box is full.


Quote from: Leo K. on July 07, 2022, 09:05:51 AM
(http://legacysongfiles.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/1ac7d8c26c403c4d48d2dd74b06dc563/0/0/00501235_1.jpg)

I really love this recording from Sergio Fiorentino (Newport Music Festival) - each Mazurka is forceful in a way, with intention and truly like a dance. Same with the other works on this recording!

Very interesting!

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on July 07, 2022, 06:31:14 PM
Quote from: Florestan on May 30, 2022, 10:49:22 AM
Looks like Fou Ts'ong recorded the Mazurkas two times:

The complete set on Sony Classics

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tkWY+CJLL.jpg)


I think FT' s performance in the Sony set is unarguably excellent.
As for my personal preference, however, his interpretations are so clear without ambiguity. And I value ambiguity, oblique, nuances and mystery.
I was hesitant to say this months ago. But I just want to post my feeling now.
It's a great performance, but I may like it sometime later.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 26, 2022, 07:49:00 PM
Jfyi, friends.  Fryderyk Chopin: Best Mazurka Performances 1927-2015.   


(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTI2NjUwNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mzc2ODQ3NjV9)



Quote from: Mandryka on July 06, 2022, 11:32:48 PM
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273f172a21d3460b9e60f4babe0)

Anyone know anything about Maria Christina Mohovich?  Some of these mazurkas seem so strong and characterful they make me think of Tipo's nocturnes. There's a good Schumann Cd too - symphonic etudes.

Again, this is a very interesting interpretation. Though I may not personally love it, the performance is very attractive.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on September 28, 2022, 09:25:02 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 26, 2022, 07:49:00 PM
Jfyi, friends.  Fryderyk Chopin: Best Mazurka Performances 1927-2015.   


(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTI2NjUwNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mzc2ODQ3NjV9)






I listened to this when it was released and was impressed, but vaguely remember thinking that a limited number of mazurkas get repeated by different pianists and that makes the experience a bit wearing. But still, very good to be reminded of it, and the older recordings are really interesting to me.

I want to tell you a story. I can find it easily on spotify, but not on qobuz. My media server interface allows me to have it play on spotify and then search for it automatically on qobuz. The qobuz search engine will make suggestions of alternatives if they can't find it -- as you can imagine the suggestions are normally not very helpful. Anyway, when I searched on qobuz for the first track of the Polish Radio recording, that's a mazurka by someone called Henryk Sztompka,  it came up with this

(https://img.cdandlp.com/2018/04/imgL/119130017.jpg)


and I must say, I think it's worth hearing some of it once, at least.  Delicate, natual sounding, joyful polish playing. Extremely salon and ultimately annoying because every mazurka seems played in the same way. It's been in the background all afternoon and it's made the house feel like a scene from Chekhov's Three Sisters.


Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 26, 2022, 07:49:00 PM
Jfyi, friends. 



Again, this is a very interesting interpretation. Though I may not personally love it, the performance is very attractive.


Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 26, 2022, 07:49:00 PM



(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273f172a21d3460b9e60f4babe0)



Again, this is a very interesting interpretation. Though I may not personally love it, the performance is very attractive.

Yes the interpretation is good but the actual pianism, or maybe it's the recording, lacks the refinement and fluidity and colour of the top tier mazurka-wallahs.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 28, 2022, 02:34:42 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on September 28, 2022, 09:25:02 AM

I want to tell you a story. I can find it easily on spotify, but not on qobuz. My media server interface allows me to have it play on spotify and then search for it automatically on qobuz. The qobuz search engine will make suggestions of alternatives if they can't find it -- as you can imagine the suggestions are normally not very helpful. Anyway, when I searched on qobuz for the first track of the Polish Radio recording, that's a mazurka by someone called Henryk Sztompka,  it came up with this

(https://img.cdandlp.com/2018/04/imgL/119130017.jpg)


and I must say, I think it's worth hearing some of it once, at least.  Delicate, natual sounding, joyful polish playing. Extremely salon and ultimately annoying because every mazurka seems played in the same way. It's been in the background all afternoon and it's made the house feel like a scene from Chekhov's Three Sisters.



I checked it via streaming, but it doesn't appeal to me now. I'll keep listening to the recording.
Nowadays I am enjoying listening to the recording below. Dark and bluesy side.


(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02e5c6a33bea2bad1598d7e83f)





Also I think I mentioned the album below a few years ago. I think it's a very good performance.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61OG3EanhkL._SS500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on September 28, 2022, 08:14:38 PM
P.s. one more I like. The review below says that this was recorded/played on the day JFK was assassinated.

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2006/mar06/Browning_MSR.htm




(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51GPSRJFXJL._SX466_.jpg)






Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 06, 2022, 01:29:24 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on November 01, 2021, 10:38:25 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1eVUjxDoQL._SL1500_.jpg)

Worth hearing, this one, I think, for the piano of course, an 1853 Pleyel very nicely restored, but also for the rhythms - which in Tatiana Larionova's hands seem complicated and natural at the same time. I like it, I hope she does a release with the rest.



I checked the Vol. 2 and it is as wonderful as the Vol. 1. I agree with you that her rhythmical sense is fascinating. 



(https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/114/0746160914114.jpg?tatiana-larionova-2022-chopin-complete-mazurkas-vol-2-on-period-instrument-cd&class=scaled)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on October 07, 2022, 12:33:50 AM
From Peter Jablonski's new release - some thoughts about structure 

QuoteAll opuses on this recording contain four pieces, with the exception of Op. 7, which contains five pieces. Opp. 6, 7, 17 were all composed between 1830 and 1833 (although Op. 7 No. 4 might have been composed as early as 1825), so they share similarities while also showing a development of style and harmonic language. Mazurkas Op. 6 were written in Vienna during 1830, and signal arrival at a fully mature, fully formed, self-contained and stylised dance, but made very clearly for performance and listening (it is good to remember that when the mazurka was first appropriated by other composers at the time, it was still intended to be danced to). Both Op. 6 and 7 end with two very short mazurkas, like post-scripts or after- thoughts

Chopin himself assembled mazurkas in opuses meant for publication, with a dramaturgical concept that emerges clearly already from Op. 17, undergoes development in Op. 24, and reaches its peak in Op. 41, often considered to be the most cohesive set of all. Chopin balances moods and tempi relationships between the pieces in each set more and more carefully.

What can be observed in Chopin's mazurka opuses are intentional close tonal and motivic relationships between the mazurkas and their contrasting moods. From Op. 17 onwards, the first mazurka sets the stage for the following pieces, with the second or third usually an ebullient, lively oberek, and the last mazurka becoming more complex and extended, and always in a minor key. However, it was not always the case until recently, with the order in Op. 41 differing between various editions. In some, Op. 41 No. 4 appears first, breaking the pattern of the most extended mazurka being the last in the set
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on October 07, 2022, 12:44:58 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 06, 2022, 01:29:24 PM


I checked the Vol. 2 and it is as wonderful as the Vol. 1. I agree with you that her rhythmical sense is fascinating. 



(https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/114/0746160914114.jpg?tatiana-larionova-2022-chopin-complete-mazurkas-vol-2-on-period-instrument-cd&class=scaled)

It's very good
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Que on October 07, 2022, 11:39:46 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on October 07, 2022, 12:44:58 AM
It's very good

I've lined both volumes up on Spotify!  :)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on October 20, 2022, 06:53:08 PM
This compilation from a minor label doesn't provide names of the performers, but some tracks sound very good. Enigmatic album.


  (https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-vHJvr9Xgom1vEi88-ngDxsA-t500x500.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 04, 2022, 08:51:04 PM
Recent listenings:

Terenkova's performance reminds me of the Mohovich above a little. There are unique and likable ideas. She has/presents some attractive images. Definitely she has her own, and well-planned, aesthetic ideas. Listeners maybe divided on this unique recording, however.

Alexandra Sostmann's Mazurkas are likable too while I didn't enjoy her Bach FS. For Mazurkas, I like her timing and tone. For my personal preference, i wish she had some darkness and mystery. Still, likable and memorable performance.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02c6f1eaa94fcf8a45f8cc12f9)(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e0294aaaf585b2e266708ed2174)




Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 07, 2022, 11:28:44 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 04, 2022, 08:51:04 PM
Recent listenings:

Terenkova's performance reminds me of the Mohovich above a little. There are unique and likable ideas. She has/presents some attractive images. Definitely she has her own, and well-planned, aesthetic ideas. Listeners maybe divided on this unique recording, however.

Alexandra Sostmann's Mazurkas are likable too while I didn't enjoy her Bach FS. For Mazurkas, I like her timing and tone. For my personal preference, i wish she had some darkness and mystery. Still, likable and memorable performance.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02c6f1eaa94fcf8a45f8cc12f9)(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e0294aaaf585b2e266708ed2174)

Yes it's a shame that Terenkova hasn't recorded more mazurkas. It's indeed like Wasowsky, not least because of the weighiness of it. Perfumed - reminds me a bit of how Sokolov does them, I need to listen to those Sokolov recordings again to be sure.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efT7a9V8kCc&ab_channel=ADGO
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 07, 2022, 11:31:56 AM
And that makes me think of Richter -- which I find myself liking a lot, despite the feeling of enormous strength barely restrained.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DliIBuV3UU&ab_channel=classicalrarities

Someone once said to me that Richter's like a big tank crushing a beautiful wild flower meadow, and that's right. I like powerful dangerous military vehicles - all resistance is obliterated.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 07, 2022, 01:26:46 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on November 07, 2022, 11:28:44 AM
Yes it's a shame that Terenkova hasn't recorded more mazurkas. It's indeed like Wasowsky, not least because of the weighiness of it. Perfumed - reminds me a bit of how Sokolov does them, I need to listen to those Sokolov recordings again to be sure.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efT7a9V8kCc&ab_channel=ADGO

Yes, it seems to me, Terenkova partly sounds like Wasowski and partly sounds like Michel Block. I found her Mussorgsky likable as well.

For the Sokolov, as always, his tone is bright.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on November 13, 2022, 02:17:23 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 07, 2022, 01:26:46 PM
Yes, it seems to me, Terenkova partly sounds like Wasowski and partly sounds like Michel Block. I found her Mussorgsky likable as well.

For the Sokolov, as always, his tone is bright.

Michel Block's late in life Mazurkas are like Wasowski, these are both only in small doses for me, those tempi can be a bit much in the Mazurkas. For me Block's best Chopin are his DG recordings from the early 60s.

edit: I haven't heard the Block Chopin Institute CD, last I checked it wasn't on Qobuz.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 13, 2022, 02:49:39 PM
Quote from: hvbias on November 13, 2022, 02:17:23 PM
Michel Block's late in life Mazurkas are like Wasowski, these are both only in small doses for me, those tempi can be a bit much in the Mazurkas. For me Block's best Chopin are his DG recordings from the early 60s.

edit: I haven't heard the Block Chopin Institute CD, last I checked it wasn't on Qobuz.

The DG recording sounds very interesting!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 13, 2022, 02:50:56 PM
Fun disc by the philosopher and historian of music in Italy.


  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61sHrLMs6WL._SX466_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Leo K. on November 16, 2022, 09:08:06 AM
I've been enjoying this Rubenstein set again, been many years. The Mazurkas. A direct, intellectual-like style I enjoy, like a pointillistic painting with light washes to smear the perfection on purpose (in certain areas).

(https://www.gramophone.co.uk/media/195578/arthur-rubinstein-plays-chopin_0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on November 16, 2022, 09:11:06 AM
Quote from: hvbias on November 13, 2022, 02:17:23 PM
Michel Block's late in life Mazurkas are like Wasowski, these are both only in small doses for me, those tempi can be a bit much in the Mazurkas. For me Block's best Chopin are his DG recordings from the early 60s.

edit: I haven't heard the Block Chopin Institute CD, last I checked it wasn't on Qobuz.

Block is responsible for the worst Chopin performance I've ever heard - the barcarolle. About 15 minutes of it I think.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: staxomega on November 16, 2022, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on November 16, 2022, 09:11:06 AM
Block is responsible for the worst Chopin performance I've ever heard - the barcarolle. About 15 minutes of it I think.

I have not, I believe that is on the Chopin OM Recordings CD, I bought it years ago and there were some pinholes or flaking and wouldn't rip so the seller told me to bin it. I can't even imagine 15 minutes for the Barcarolle. Block is also responsible for not just the worst Tempest Sonata I've heard but the worst Beethoven Piano Sonata performance I've heard. I have no idea why he would make decisions like these extreme tempi, he was still capable of playing at a very high level late in life as evidenced by the Liszt Harmonies poetiques et religieuses, Granados, Albeniz, Scriabin (most beautiful/poetic second sonata, unmatched in those qualities), etc. It's a bit maddening because when he was "on" he was easily one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 04, 2022, 11:47:50 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on July 06, 2022, 11:17:36 PMBack to this for the first time in 7 years and what I said before is what I'd say now. Not for me in my current state of mind, but it may well be for someone else. It's a bit buttoned up - maybe a bit overthunk. The sound is state of the art studio processed piano.

Back to Fialkowska today, the second time this year, that makes three times in 8 years. And I think my two posts about it are accurate - it is deeply felt and nuanced and yet, at the same time, buttoned up. Deeply felt like Henry James and Jane Austen. I like it very much, it needs to be experienced.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 05, 2022, 10:35:37 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on December 04, 2022, 11:47:50 PMBack to Fialkowska today, the second time this year, that makes three times in 8 years. And I think my two posts about it are accurate - it is deeply felt and nuanced and yet, at the same time, buttoned up. Deeply felt like Henry James and Jane Austen. I like it very much, it needs to be experienced.

For some reason, its not for me AS OF NOW. Maybe her touch. Overall very straightforward performance. I may change my mind soon.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 09, 2022, 08:33:52 AM
Ania Dorfmann's Chopin Waltzes sound OK actually -- tender

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mhWulDdje6igMahV-CUFgMbn0ip2Nn_h4
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 09, 2022, 12:38:49 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on December 09, 2022, 08:33:52 AMAnia Dorfmann's Chopin Waltzes sound OK actually -- tender

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mhWulDdje6igMahV-CUFgMbn0ip2Nn_h4

The fast-tempo works sound cool and elegant. I would personally like more sensitivity, and a slight twist, in mid/slow tempo pieces (ie. No.10 B min waltz). They may have them and I maybe missing them though.

Checked Shebanova's Mazurkas recently. Fairly good, if not amazing, performance. Again I wanted more nuances and darkness. I thought that the Italian professor in my previous post sounded pretty good.



(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51IH9jkve1L.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: AaronSF on December 09, 2022, 01:23:35 PM
I've enjoyed Nikita Magaloff's mazurkas.  They are very elegantly played...which I'm guessing may not be to everyone's taste.  Worth a listen, though.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AsbUIzMSL._SY355_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 11, 2022, 08:21:12 AM
ESL's Valses proffer a nice change. She presents her own unique and lyrical world, and she doesn't give a dxxx about what others think about it. There is something attractive in her performance.

As for Simon, I don't know about his Preludes, but I like his sensitive, and somewhat oblique, Mazurkas. Maybe I'm biased by the novel, cool cover art.



(https://cdns-images.dzcdn.net/images/artist/d5ce1aad14cc73ec06b88e49d12202ab/500x500.jpg)

(https://i.discogs.com/61ns8VMRt0cbtDAM1cfrve7p0O0O_SGA-r3-5VslxbI/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:589/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE0Mzgw/NTUyLTE1NzMzNzEz/NjItMjAxMS5qcGVn.jpeg)

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 11, 2022, 09:02:41 AM
Quote from: AaronSF on December 09, 2022, 01:23:35 PMI've enjoyed Nikita Magaloff's mazurkas.  They are very elegantly played...which I'm guessing may not be to everyone's taste.  Worth a listen, though.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AsbUIzMSL._SY355_.jpg)

Yes, very nice fresh vibe. But somehow it doesn't do what the best can do, which is make me listen for some time. It's as if the style is too much the same all the same. He's not the only one!
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 14, 2022, 10:03:43 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 11, 2022, 08:21:12 AMESL's Valses proffer a nice change. She presents her own unique and lyrical world, and she doesn't give a dxxx about what others think about it. There is something attractive in her performance.

As for Simon, I don't know about his Preludes, but I like his sensitive, and somewhat oblique, Mazurkas. Maybe I'm biased by the novel, cool cover art.



(https://cdns-images.dzcdn.net/images/artist/d5ce1aad14cc73ec06b88e49d12202ab/500x500.jpg)

(https://i.discogs.com/61ns8VMRt0cbtDAM1cfrve7p0O0O_SGA-r3-5VslxbI/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:589/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE0Mzgw/NTUyLTE1NzMzNzEz/NjItMjAxMS5qcGVn.jpeg)



ESL is a bit of a challenge for me. It's as if there's not enough relief, not enough fizz and sparkle,  the same approach all the time. But I've made a mental note and will come back to it. It made me think of Arrau's Waltzes,  I have a positive memory of them.

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 14, 2022, 11:20:11 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on December 14, 2022, 10:03:43 AMESL is a bit of a challenge for me. It's as if there's not enough relief, not enough fizz and sparkle,  the same approach all the time. But I've made a mental note and will come back to it. It made me think of Arrau's Waltzes,  I have a positive memory of them.




Good insights and you sound right. Ott and Lima present more variations, colors and occasional surprises. Just checked Ewa Pobłocka's mazurkas yesterday. It won't be my favorite, but her performance is very good and likable. Maybe just the tone of piano is not my thing. I'm sure some/many people will like the recording.


(https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music4/v4/9f/f8/98/9ff898dd-b1f0-21ed-fce9-25893d295258/5908311807132.jpg/632x632bb.webp)

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Que on December 17, 2022, 01:20:18 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 14, 2022, 11:20:11 AMMaybe just the tone of piano is not my thing.

Out of curiosity, I checked: it is a Steinway.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 17, 2022, 04:49:04 PM
Quote from: Que on December 17, 2022, 01:20:18 PMOut of curiosity, I checked: it is a Steinway.

My respect to Steinway and the Allied Power industry. Sayonara.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Verena on December 18, 2022, 05:15:07 AM

So far I really like Sergey Dorensky's recording of the mazurkas. Was intrigued by an earlier recommendation by Howard. Just the right does of vibrato in my view. Might become favorites.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 18, 2022, 07:12:28 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on August 18, 2019, 03:30:33 AM(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/Alb.220558700/500x500.jpg)

What's distinctive about this one from Sergei Dorensky is that he has a symphonic style - lots of different timbres and big gestures - which he uses fairly liberally here to transform each mazurka into a something which sounds more like a Rachmaninov tableau than you might have been expecting.

Good enough sound, modern piano with a good steely timbre, I wonder if it was a soviet instrument.

Dorensky was, I believe, a well regarded teacher in the USSR. Does anyone know anything about him, his ideas and his pupils?

I'm glad you're exploring it, Verena. Here's what I said about it more than three years ago. I'd be very interested to hear what the other mazurka connoisseurs make of what he does.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 18, 2022, 07:50:32 AM
Apropos of Dorensky:
Very good performance while it doesn't appeal to my personal preference. His timing is exquisite imo. Just like Fialkowska and Tsong, his touch is a little strong for my personal taste. The music sounds strong, less dark, and less enigmatic.
This is just about my personal taste, rather than his ability. In objective term, his performance is excellent.
As for connoisseurs, I miss Hvbias and hope he will come back.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 18, 2022, 07:57:28 AM
Totally agree about Dorensky, he's not for me.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 18, 2022, 08:00:35 AM

[/quote]
Quote from: Mandryka on December 18, 2022, 07:57:28 AMTotally agree about Dorensky, he's not for me.

 ;D
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Verena on December 18, 2022, 08:25:08 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on December 18, 2022, 07:12:28 AMI'm glad you're exploring it, Verena. Here's what I said about it more than three years ago. I'd be very interested to hear what the other mazurka connoisseurs make of what he does.
The big gestures which you mention are sometimes too much of a good thing for me, too. I think I mostly listen for the timing and that's what I love about his interpretation. Having listened to some mazurkas again today, I guess my favorites remain Maryla Jonas, Reisenberg, Rubinstein (on some days) and Boshniakovich. But he comes quite close.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 18, 2022, 09:18:28 AM
Quote from: Verena on December 18, 2022, 08:25:08 AMThe big gestures which you mention are sometimes too much of a good thing for me, too. I think I mostly listen for the timing and that's what I love about his interpretation. Having listened to some mazurkas again today, I guess my favorites remain Maryla Jonas, Reisenberg, Rubinstein (on some days) and Boshniakovich. But he comes quite close.

Big thumbs up for Boshniakovich from me! Such nobility, such elegance, such delicacy! The most Mozartian Chopin I've ever heard.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 18, 2022, 12:41:51 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on July 06, 2022, 11:32:48 PMAnyone know anything about Maria Christina Mohovich?  Some of these mazurkas seem so strong and characterful they make me think of Tipo's nocturnes. There's a good Schumann Cd too - symphonic etudes.

Quote from: Mandryka on September 28, 2022, 09:25:02 AMYes the interpretation is good but the actual pianism, or maybe it's the recording, lacks the refinement and fluidity and colour of the top tier mazurka-wallahs.


Beating the dead horse in December, I think this album deserves some appreciation. It's not a top-tier performance, but the music is unique and lyrical.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273f172a21d3460b9e60f4babe0)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 18, 2022, 05:07:54 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 24, 2019, 04:42:38 AMPletnev plays 30 minutes of mazurkas, I don't know what to make of it really, it's refined and poetic and reticent.

[flash=200,200]https://www.youtube.com/v/ruVA4kKpaAc&t=121s[/flash]

I like it very much.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 19, 2022, 09:03:24 AM
Quote from: Verena on December 18, 2022, 08:25:08 AMThe big gestures which you mention are sometimes too much of a good thing for me, too. I think I mostly listen for the timing and that's what I love about his interpretation. Having listened to some mazurkas again today, I guess my favorites remain Maryla Jonas, Reisenberg, Rubinstein (on some days) and Boshniakovich. But he comes quite close.

Thank you for the names you mentioned. I checked Boshniakovich (older recording/Denon?) on Youtube and I liked it a lot. I didn't know about him. I will look for a physical cd in Japan next year. Yes, just like wine tasting, I enjoy listening to Mazurkas in diverse approaches.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Que on December 24, 2022, 06:16:08 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 17, 2022, 04:49:04 PMMy respect to Steinway and the Allied Power industry. Sayonara.

FYI I wasn't surprised by your reservations.

I feel early 20th c. Steinways sound best, and not the more modern ones.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 24, 2022, 07:50:30 AM
Quote from: Que on December 24, 2022, 06:16:08 AMFYI I wasn't surprised by your reservations.

I feel think early 20th c. Steinways sound best, and not the modern ones.

It's not that. I just don't have ears or knowledge to discern the Steinway sound, let alone its sound by decades.  ;D
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on December 27, 2022, 12:38:37 AM
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02c96c1fb5ef8a1761c6f6e86a)

A handful of mazurkas like you've never heard before, from Tobias Koch.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 27, 2022, 06:21:05 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on December 27, 2022, 12:38:37 AM(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02c96c1fb5ef8a1761c6f6e86a)

A handful of mazurkas like you've never heard before, from Tobias Koch.

Both the 2018 and 2019 recordings look interesting with many historic instruments and modern pianos including Kawai.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 28, 2022, 09:50:00 AM
YT list of the Ryszard Bakst recording is below.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL04EE220F08BF1FC4



(https://i.discogs.com/2V714yvtMyQfLzIdivHRLJ2mOCh7M6mEpRFtSpBBf74/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTg3OTQw/OTgtMTQ2ODg5OTk1/Ny02NTM3LmpwZWc.jpeg)



Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 28, 2022, 04:29:00 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on December 27, 2022, 12:38:37 AM(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02c96c1fb5ef8a1761c6f6e86a)

A handful of mazurkas like you've never heard before, from Tobias Koch.

Koch (and others) sounds good. Nice shyness and sensitivity. I like it.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 03, 2023, 06:43:11 PM
Just in case, Japanese issue (1991) of Stefanska is below. It's not for me though.


https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kowV6oCb5yuP0FL_n73gvAd1qlSwoa3EE

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nlQjuuzMukGRt7ENHhIxlEp7wihZ6SI0U


Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 04, 2023, 12:03:07 PM
YT list of Tito Aprea's performance is below. Nice rhythm though the playing is loud sometimes.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7uG3nzjmyOD8mZkkPCuxPNbH3_3hybQb
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Verena on January 08, 2023, 03:09:28 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 19, 2022, 09:03:24 AMThank you for the names you mentioned. I checked Boshniakovich (older recording/Denon?) on Youtube and I liked it a lot. I didn't know about him. I will look for a physical cd in Japan next year. Yes, just like wine tasting, I enjoy listening to Mazurkas in diverse approaches.
Yes, some Chopin Mazurkas by Boshniakovich / Boshnyakovich are on Denon and some others are on Vista Vera.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 18, 2023, 09:32:07 AM
Yakov Flier.


Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Verena on March 18, 2023, 12:46:25 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 18, 2023, 09:32:07 AMYakov Flier.



He is one of my favorites. Need to relisten to his Mazurkas soon.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: San Antone on March 18, 2023, 02:58:08 PM
This is my go-to set of the mazurkas

Chopin: 57 Mazurkas
Janusz Olejniczak (piano)

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODI1MzU3OC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2NzU5MzMyODV9)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 30, 2023, 01:22:20 PM
Many good ideas and approaches, but a more nuanced, and diversified, touch could have been more effective.


(https://is4-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music125/v4/74/2c/ef/742cef6a-3b4f-76ba-6aaf-73f306cf1c88/710357638626.jpg/632x632bb.webp)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Luke on March 30, 2023, 11:44:29 PM
Quote from: MandrykaThere's nuance and sensitivity and intelligence in spadefuls. However because it's so very very polished it becomes like a box of chocolates - after a few, despite the loveliness of them, you start to get sick of it all.

Yes, you've got to be able to sense the outdoors in the Mazurkas. It's there, Chopin put it there, it should be heard. They are the polar opposite of the Nocturne-style Chopin. They're also, imho, his greatest works.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 31, 2023, 12:04:33 AM

(The post that @Luke quoted got deleted while I checked that it was fair. It was, so here it is.)


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chopin-Mazurkas-Dmitri-Alexeev-2015-02-27/dp/B01K8MEO60

Alexeev's mazurkas

There's a review on Amazon of this which is totally right, and it's helped me understand something about these mazurkas (assuming Google translate is totally right) viz:

欠点があるとするならば、土臭さはないので、それを求める方にはもの足りないはず。

There's nuance and sensitivity and intelligence in spadefuls. Beautifully played.  However because it's so very very polished and civilised  it becomes like a box of chocolates - after a few, despite the loveliness of them, you start to get sick of it all.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 31, 2023, 06:44:16 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 31, 2023, 12:04:33 AM欠点があるとするならば、土臭さはないので、それを求める方にはもの足りないはず。



If there were ever shortcoming, there is no mud odor (meaning crudeness/wildness) and those who seek it will be left unsatisfied.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 31, 2023, 06:50:26 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 31, 2023, 06:44:16 AMIf there were ever shortcoming, there is no mud odor (meaning crudeness/wildness) and those who seek it will be left unsatisfied.

Yes, the translation algorithms gave "dirt" and "earthiness."
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 31, 2023, 06:56:25 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 31, 2023, 06:50:26 AMYes, the translation algorithms gave "dirt" and "earthiness."

I think earthiness is (near) a  perfect word. Mud odor, dorokusasa, means lack of sophistication/refinement. Often the term is used in positive term. For instance, beauty of folk music.

I will check the Alexeev.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on March 31, 2023, 07:13:32 AM
Do you know the English word petrichor? Nobody knows it, but it's a lovely word

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/rain/petrichor#:~:text=Petrichor%20is%20the%20smell%20of,the%20veins%20of%20the%20immortals.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 31, 2023, 08:01:22 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 31, 2023, 07:13:32 AMDo you know the English word petrichor? Nobody knows it, but it's a lovely word

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/rain/petrichor#:~:text=Petrichor%20is%20the%20smell%20of,the%20veins%20of%20the%20immortals.

That's a beautiful word. We have a word- Madoromu- for doze, reverie.

I love the smell of rain. I particularly like the smell of subway (stations and trains) in rainy days in Tokyo. I think it's a mixture of smells of dust, mold, water, concrete, rotten things, etc.. Very urban, a little decadent smell. I wish there were a perfume of that smell.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on March 31, 2023, 01:40:49 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on March 31, 2023, 12:04:33 AM(The post that @Luke quoted got deleted while I checked that it was fair. It was, so here it is.)


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chopin-Mazurkas-Dmitri-Alexeev-2015-02-27/dp/B01K8MEO60

Alexeev's mazurkas

There's a review on Amazon of this which is totally right, and it's helped me understand something about these mazurkas (assuming Google translate is totally right) viz:

欠点があるとするならば、土臭さはないので、それを求める方にはもの足りないはず。

There's nuance and sensitivity and intelligence in spadefuls. Beautifully played.  However because it's so very very polished and civilised  it becomes like a box of chocolates - after a few, despite the loveliness of them, you start to get sick of it all.


Rather monotonic attack and tone in spite of the rich timing.
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 07, 2023, 06:18:47 PM
I don't know anything about him!


Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Mandryka on April 08, 2023, 09:37:26 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 07, 2023, 06:18:47 PMI don't know anything about him!




Here's an discussion with me and two (other?) opinionated, passionate and knowledgeable gentlemen about the Chopin Barcarolle. You may or may not be amused.

https://groups.google.com/g/rec.music.classical.recordings/c/dlpNCfgAj3c/m/s8kHTMlgCgAJ

I've got two things on my hard drive -- Schumann's Album for the Young (where he seems to announce each piece in Italian before playing it), and a concert with Miklos Perenyi of Beethoven sonatas (not very good IMO because of Perenyi.)
Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 08, 2023, 02:40:15 PM
Quote from: Mandryka on April 08, 2023, 09:37:26 AMHere's an discussion with me and two (other?) opinionated, passionate and knowledgeable gentlemen about the Chopin Barcarolle. You may or may not be amused.

https://groups.google.com/g/rec.music.classical.recordings/c/dlpNCfgAj3c/m/s8kHTMlgCgAJ

I've got two things on my hard drive -- Schumann's Album for the Young (where he seems to announce each piece in Italian before playing it), and a concert with Miklos Perenyi of Beethoven sonatas (not very good IMO because of Perenyi.)


I find his interpretations/executions fascinating. There is a dandy and urban feel in his music. A slight decadence too. Maybe his performance sounds too funky to some people?
His Liszt below.

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 09, 2023, 01:35:18 PM
Enjoying some Mazurkas and Etudes by Grigory Ginsburg this weekend.


Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 20, 2023, 07:49:48 AM
Nice effort by Dina Yoffe with Pleyel. (The title of video says 67-3, but it's 17-4.) Personally I would like more ambiguity and shadow. Still this is a nice interpretation.

Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 21, 2023, 09:52:27 AM
Steely sound. Since this is an official video from Bechstein, I guess they are proud of the sound.



Title: Re: Chopin's mazurkas
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 01, 2023, 06:17:58 AM
I love the slick and magical performance of the Valses by Cortot. I don't agree with all the interpretations. But his interpretations are invariably aesthetic, effective and innovative.


(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WUpkG-2zL._SL1200_.jpg)