Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 48: Chopin: Polonaises

Album review

RCA's remastered recordings in the Complete Artur Rubinstein Collection are essential listening for admirers of this legendary artist. Vol. 48 features the polonaises of Frédéric Chopin, and these exciting, patriotic pieces were among Rubinstein's favorites, notably the Polonaise No. 6 in A flat major, Op. 53, "Heroique," which he declared was especially near to his heart. Rubinstein has often been praised for the elegance of his playing, and the term "aristocratic" has been applied so often to him that one might get the impression that the performances of the polonaises are dignified and serious, but expressively aloof and above the fray. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even though Rubinstein is calmer in the 1964 sessions than he was in concert or in his youthful recordings, this does not take away from the passion and vitality that were still present in the 77-year-old pianist. The energy of his playing is evident from the outset in the violent opening strokes of the Polonaise No. 1 in C sharp minor, and the thundering left-hand octaves of the "Heroique" are surely the most explosive of this or many other albums. The sound is excellent in the 1999 remastering, and the piano has incredible presence, particularly in the clangorous vibrations of the lower strings.

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