Nocturnes 1-4/Barcarolle In [Original recording remastered, Import]

Available elsewhere as part of a collection of impromptus, Claudio Arrau's distinguished performances of Chopin's Nocturnes and other works sound richer and more vibrant in this remastered set; among the latest in the Phillips 50 series. Arrau's performances may not be enjoyable to most, since his playing tends to be quite dramatic, with a darker, more somber vision of Chopin's scores than found elsewhere from the likes of Barenboim and Rubinstein, among others. Still these are remarkable, distinctive performances which should be recognized as among the finest recordings of Chopin's Nocturnes. I doubt I have heard anyone else probe more successfully into the most melancholy aspects of Chopin's personality, done with much elegant, refined playing. Without question this is a splendid two CD set worth owning.

A couple of years ago i happened to find in an old out-of-the-way store in my home country Ecuador, almost hidden in a back shelf Arrau's complete set of Chopin recorded for phillips. This 6 cd set included a large number of works of which probably the most amazing were the waltzes and the nocturnes. As for the waltzes, Arrau's rendition was a true revelation as he showed deep angst and sadness in them - a feature rarely stressed in these works.
And then were the Nocturnes. In his interpretation, and useing that so unique grave tone of his, Arrau delivers not only all the music but also darker, almost sinister visions. Psychology, always one of Arrau's favorite topics is pushed to the most and in the most revealing way - you can sense through these performances that beyond all the light of the filigree figurations and melodies lies the extremely troubled soul of Chopin as portrayed by Arrau. Trills, figurations so abundant in these works are played as part of the melodies and not just as ornaments - Arrau in interviews sopke many times of the various ways of playing and interpreting trills as taught to him by his teacher Martin Krause (home my memory serves me right) and here is the perfect example of what he meant.
I have heard other fine renditions of the nocturnes as played by Rubinstein, Barenboim, Biret - but as worthy as they are, doubtfully will they ever be appreciated as the unique, unapologetic, bold, understanding performances Arrau delivered here. This is not necesarilly Chopin to be enjoyed - rather to be disturbed by. Most likely the most truthfull and faithfull performances ever to be recorded of this music, and also by Arrau.