Chopin: The Piano Works

It’s hard to rate something fairly when beset by intrusion of bias. I imagine it’s as good as Chopin gets. I had purchased Rubinstein nocturnal suites without hearing them first. That was a first. And a last. It usually works the other way around. I let my ear be my guide, and that never disappoints.Unfortunately the Rubinstein collection literally put me to sleep, even after several attempts to get through the nocturnes. Doubt that’s what Chopin had in mind. Those interpretations can be tricky.Anyway, the Ashkenazy collection is like being in Chopin Paradise.However, I was under the impression when I purchased this collection, it was “new,” since I don’t buy used. When package arrived, I was really excited. But it was obvious when I opened it was “used, like new”.Also remember seller saying something like, “Hurry. Only one left in stock.” Naturally, that’s what I thought I was buying... new. But just checked it out now and same message appears. So how does seller have only one left in stock after I purchased the only one left in stock?Anyway, I love Ashkenazy doing Chopin and to have a collection of the complete works is phenomenal. Hoping it’s as “like new,” as it claims.What I still can’t figure is how I managed to buy something I would never and have never purchased... something used? Can’t wrap my head around that one. That’s the basis of my 3 star rating.

I have listened to the works of a number of composers, but Chopin always stands out with his remarkable ability to translate raw human emotion into musical tones from the piano. In my opinion, what other composers might have sought to accomplish with the variety of voices in the orchestra, Chopin was able to do with one instrument. To replicate this is no easy task, and Ashkenazy does a fantastic job in this set of CDs.The music of Chopin contains so much pure poetic beauty, but I think his true genius comes through in pieces written in the minor keys. Chopin was a truly great blues composer of his time. I suppose that the most common vehicle for expressing "blues" or "tragedy" in that era was the opera. But Chopin could accomplish it without the need for words. He knew how to express human pain and angst. Take the Nocturne in E minor, for example (Opus 72 #1). If you can appreciate the blues, then I'm sure you'd have no trouble hearing the pathos in that piece played by Ashkenazy. To understand, appreciate, and especially to play the blues, one must be able to feel the blues. And again, to express this musically is no easy task. For the piano, it requires subtle technique with dynamics and license in meter (which Chopin was occasionally criticized for) to truly translate the emotion. Ashkenazy does this quite well.I'm no expert in judging the electronic quality of a recorded CD, but I detected no flaws in that respect. I am an appreciator of the music. And in that light, I definitely recommend this CD set.

The playing and sound quality on this set are superb. I don't have any other Chopin albums in my collection and suspect after this one there won't be any more. Chopin is definitely my favorite when it comes to piano music. His ability to write such technically difficult pieces that are also melodic and pleasing to the ear is truly incredible. Money well spent.Back when I bought this I also got Schubert's sonata's, Mozart's sonatas and a few Liszt albums. After listening to all of those I still keep coming back to the Chopin. He's just the best when it comes to the piano. I've also listened to some other versions of some of these songs and this set still sounds the best to me.

I’m not in love with the interpretations of the pieces that I have listened to thus far (preludes and nocturnes). I don’t really have the musical credentials to judge, so take this with a tablespoon of salt. But there was limited discernible modulation of tone and as a result the performances left me cold. I know Askenazy is a famous pianist, but these are not for me.

This is a great set to own to get a good feeling for the entiretyof Chopin's output. However, I feel (with appropriate respect to allthe other reviewers here) that one needs to dig a little deeperfor truly benchmark performances of these little miracles.For example, try Demidenko for the Ballades and the third sonata,check out Pollini for the Nocturnes and show Chiu a little lovefor the Mazurkas and Etudes.

My husband is very pleased with the set

My son, for whom I bought this, absolutely loves this complete set.

This is a beautifully played collection of Chopin's work. It was a birthday gift,and I listen to bits of it every day. I have yet to find a favorite CD, as each is so lovely. It is well worth the price.

It’s great to have such a comprehensive collection. I am looking forward to sharing some with an experienced pianist visiting soon

I have had some of these recordings on vinyl since the eighties it has been wonderful to listen to them in even greater detail. Decca have done a brilliant job of bringing this collection together. Reading some of the reviews some people commented on poor recordings well they must have standards far to high. This set set is simply fantastic. Buy it you won't regret.

I cannot recommend this highly enough. Not only as a pianist myself in terms of recommended style, but also simply as a listener. The nocturnes in particular are sent from the gods... wonderful stuff!

Great - good condition - although it does not amount to the complete piano works as it leaves out the piano concertos

Always wanted the complete works and finally made my mind up on this version.. Very pleased with the overall package.