Chopin: Nocturnes

Pollini's traversal of Chopin's 19 Nocturnes (he leaves out the pair of posthumous ones) is one of his finest recordings in years. His long-lined yet detailed performances are comparable to the very different ones that have long stood at the pinnacle of recorded sets. Not as serene as Artur Rubinstein's, not as philosophical as Claudio Arrau's, nor as warm as Ivan Moravec's, Pollini's interpretations have their own allure. One is the way he shapes the melodies with a natural flow enhanced by his tonal beauty, less lean and streamlined than his usual way with Romantic music. Another is his careful attention to dynamics, as in the subtle gradations of tone found in Op.9 No.1, Op. 15 No 2, and others in the set. Yet another is his detailed articulation that yields trills of feathery lightness and brings out inner details without unduly spotlighting them. His pianissimo playing is radiant, pearly runs are seamlessly strung together, and climaxes like that in Op. 37 No.1 ring out boldly. And this paragon of the objective modern style indulges in discreet rubatos that bring life to the musical line and make you feel the music behind the notes. --Dan Davis