Chopin: The Nocturnes/ Vladimir Ashkenazy

Frederic Chopin

The Nocturnes

Vladimir Ashkenazy

"A very good recording, capturing every sparkle of virtuosity in Ashkenazy's bright performance..."

 Ashkenazy's first recordings (available on Decca Legends) are technically adept with very precise phrasing, but these recordings have the edge for their musicality. The more mature Ashkenazy heard here demonstrates complete command over the emotional content and his generous use of the pedal gives them a luxurient feel that many other recordings lack. His recording of the first Ballade sounds most natural, so that one is left with the feeling that THIS is how it is meant to sound. Other performers by comparison sound a little 'lost' in the freedom afforded by Chopin's shifting structure.