Chopin Nocturne F# played by Pugno,Risler and Cortot

Because this video compares three pianists performance of the same composition, and viewers are apt to prefer one performance rather than another, I have disabled the rating system. But please comment!!
James Methuen-Cambell writes of these recordings,

"A comparison between his (Risler's) reading of the Nocturne and that of his colleague Raoul Pugno (1852-1914) raises an interesting question concerning the tempo. Pugno on his recording for the Gramophone & Typewriter Co. opts for a much slower speed than is usual and in a book of written lessons explains that his teacher, Georges Mathias a Chopin pupil, had told him that this familiar work was generally taken too fast' Well, Risler was a pupil of Emile Decombes, a Chopin disciple, and his tempo is very much faster and of the sort that one is accustomed to hear today.Alfred Cortot's (also a Decombes pupil, Ed) recording of the same piece confirms Risler's choice."

I would assume that Pugno's performance (1903) of this nocturne, is the first.ever recorded.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Chopin
• Nocturne
• sharp
• Pugno
• Risler
• Cortot

[musiclover59]

Cortot's version is hands down the best - vraiment fantastique! Risler's version is too fast. Pugno's is a mess. The definitive version is that of Rubenstein.

[2ndviolinist]

I think I prefer Risler, the dreaminess and wonderfully light touch are beguiling. I think Pugno comes in 2nd for me as much as I love Cortot. Cortot remains the undisputed master of ensemble playing. Is it a surprise that Risler and Cortot would take similar tempos having both studied with Louis Diémer? Sort of late to chime in. Better late than never.

[2persimmon1]

I prefer Pugno's expression but he is a bit too slow...

[gerardbedecarter]

Three fascinating historical recordings of "Autumn Leaves" for comparison.

[88Woland]

All three are excellent!!!!!!!!!!!

[soami2u]

It seems easier to comment on Cortot's interpretation because the sound is so superior to the previous 2...the Pugno is intriguing for its sense of freedom, the Risler (as well as I can make out for all the noise) seems quite close (surprisingly so) to what Chopin wrote in the score...but, if Pugno and Risler were the 1st and 2nd courses, Cortot is for me the dessert!