Charles Rosen Plays Chopin Nocturne Op. 62, No.1 in B

[b1i2l336]

This is stunningly beautiful and musical playing. Why do some pianists roll the chords and some not? Rubinstein and Horowitz do not, Barenboim, Rosen, and Arrau do, much to the benefit of this gorgeous music.

[virtuoso691]

@b1i2l336 When he speaks, Rosen always emphasizes the contrapuntal nature of this Nocturne. The rolling underlines the romantic origin of this work. FB

[virtuoso691]

@virtuoso691 I was referring to Rosen's lectures and books when I used the term "speaks." FB

[daniel15671]

This is a great performance. This nocturne is particularly susceptible to the kind of "swoony" interpretation which performers used to regularly inflict on chopin. This playing is sober but honest and full of feeling. And I think the trills are great, too.

[maikabright]

comfortable piano sound, I like!!

[DonGiovanni91]

I'm not quite sure whether "a fine example of expressive trills" really sums up Rosen's transcendental genius in this performance. Perhaps not the wisest of sub-headings in the world...

[virtuoso691]

@DonGiovanni91 I am amazed by the pettiness of people. If you are so concerned with evaluating the "wisdom" of a subheading instead of appreciating the availability of the performance, you are petty indeed.

[Uberloinvongenchler]

@virtuoso691 moreover, what is 'transcendental genius'? What is 'genius' about reciting a piece of music?

[eolianwold]

Sounds a LOT better in HQ, but he has nothing on Pollini or Rubinstein who are just a click away. Way too much pedal for my taste and the quick runs are imprecise. I loved Rosen's recordings of the late Beethoven piano sonatas so I'm a bit surprised at this. Possibly, this is just not his best performance.

The hand gesture at the beginning is pure comedy, though!

[antoinezygfryd]

Merveilleux pianiste pour une merveilleuse musique.

[Grigor99]

Starting tempo was a bit fast for me, but still very beautifully controlled textures

[markmdavis]

You have to love Rosen's poetic 'gravitas.' Economy of motion plus depth of emotion!

I wish someone would post his fine recordings of the Haydn Sonatas.

[drzlecuti]

Curious as to the provenance of this very enjoyable video...I'm guessing it's from the early 90s when Charles recorded this piece for a CD released about that time. He played it a lot in that time period, including at his "farewell" recital at the U of Chicago in 1996.

[virtuoso691]

The performance took place in Atlanta on April 9-10, 1985. I would always record two performances in order to have a "backup." Then I would select which performance to put in the final program. Sometimes the decision was difficult because both performances would be great! I am glad that you enjoyed this video.