Arthur Rubinstein - Frederic Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2, 1/3

[nicoejz]

At 3:00 I can feel the Earth melting.

[scout6686]

Wow this is some epic music!

[advisorC101]

If anyone knew what real pain and madness was, it was Chopin. I'm glad Rubinstein doesn't hold back in showing those feelings for what they really are in this recording. And even more so that Chopin didn't hold back in revealing them.

[rvn10rvn17]

pogorelich for 1st movement..

[TzviErez]

The Resemblance to Beethoven Opus 111 is incredible.

[Pischnaholic]

Templario, could you tell us why you prefer Horowitz to Rubinstein in this sonata?

Are you aware of the many many excellent renditions of Chopin, Opus 35 by various pianists?

Have you listened to Cortot? Novaes? Casadesus? Argerich? Michelangeli? Pogorelich? Sokolov? Pollini? Ashkenazy? And many many others?

While I loved them both, Rubinstein and Horowitz were not the only pianists of consequence in the last century.

[billyguns2]

I would add Moiseiwitsch, Rosenthal, both Lhevinnes, Richter, Backhaus, Gieseking, Kapell, Cliburn, Lipatti and Schnabel to your list and I'm glad to see that you named the amazing Pogorelich, Michelangeli, and Sokolov. Rubinstein had a gloriuous sound, and I know I will be crucified for saying that I often find his playing boring and square.

[CaradhrasAiguo49]

@billyguns2: Richter didn't record any of the Chopin sonatas, as far as I am aware.

[b1i2l336]

@CaradhrasAiguo49 I am listing my favorite pianists, NOT my faviorite pianists who recorded Chopin Sonatas, in response to Pischanholic's comment "Robinstein and Horowitz were not the only pianists of consequence..." and then this person proceeded to name pianists who HAD recorded Opus 35; I can see how that might look confusing, as I find my response confusing as well!

[fortezimo]

me too

[templario9001]

I prefer Horowitz playing this

[Artybruh]

Eh gimma smoke, GIMMA SMOHKE!!!!!

[miliona1re]

Chopin runs through his veins!

[old10939]

Rubinstein is definetely the greatest interpreter of this piece, this, however, is not his greatest recording though. His best recording in my opinion is the one he did for RCA, it is slower overally and he also demonstrated greater command over the overall structure.

[Artybruh]

That's absurd!! His overall skill on the keys lacks and dwindles in comparison to Horowitz!!!

Gosh, I cannot stand to listen to this ABORTION.

What a way to turn a classic masterpiece into the likes of modern day music: TRASH!!!!

[old10939]

I'm not talking about sheer skills here. definitely, in terms of virtuosity, Horowitz is unparalleled by any other pianist of our time.

Please note that the posted performence was NOT the one that I referred to as the best. I am just saying that in Rubinsein's RCA recording, he had a great structure as well as impeccable execution, maybe that's because I always prefered slower interpretations. Although Rubinstein has been sloppy on occasions in the posted performance, it is by no means trash.

[Artybruh]

I do agree, that is true.

Having listened to this the second time I respect his interpretation.

I guess I was speaking out of angst, he is quite skilled player. I'm very sorry describing it as "trash".

[PhilipLu3]

Horowitz is unmatched in virtuosity!

[joesubaruson]

At the beginning of the development, the resonance characteristics change drastically. How does he do that? Was he flooring the left pedal all thru the themes part?

[asdfggbby]

beginning is fast, but overall my favorite performance of this sonata

[phatpianogurl]

Omg, this is the 1964 Recital in Moscow recording! Thank you for posting this.

[jero13595]

Eh.... What happened in the beginning?...

[DonkyKong8765]

thats exactly what i was thinking. did he not see the grave on the sheet music or something? still, overall, its the best.