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THE REVIEW
Hello everyone! I would like to begin my activity on DeBaser with a review of one of the greatest geniuses that music has ever had: Friedrich Chopin.
As a Polish pianist and composer, he still ties much of his fame today to the 21 Nocturnes: divided into 8 Opus numbers (3 nocturnes in Op9 and an equal number in Op15, 2 each for Op27, Op32, Op37, Op48, Op55, Op62, the nocturne Op72, and another 2 nocturnes published posthumously but without an Opus number), they are essentially short pieces (not exceeding 7 and a half minutes in length) that meet the need to put nocturnal atmospheres into music.
One of the most successful experiments in this sense is undoubtedly No. 7, Op27/1, in C-sharp minor, where the arpeggios accompanying the soothing and elegiac melody evoke the reflection of the moon on the calm waters of the sea.
The performance I most recommend for getting to know these pieces is that of Maurizio Pollini, recorded in 2005 for Deutsche Grammophon, unfortunately missing the 2 posthumous nocturnes. An excellent alternative to this recording is definitely that of Claudio Arrau (Philips, 1997), which incidentally includes the 2 posthumous nocturnes and (since there was still space) the 4 impromptus of Chopin himself.
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Summary by Bot
This review highlights Maurizio Pollini’s 2005 recording of Chopin’s Nocturnes, praising his emotive and refined interpretation. The review explains the significance of Chopin’s Nocturnes and recommends Pollini’s performance as a primary reference. An alternative by Claudio Arrau is noted for its inclusion of posthumous nocturnes and impromptus.
Maurizio Pollini
Maurizio Pollini (1942–2024) was an Italian classical pianist. He won the 1960 International Chopin Piano Competition and recorded extensively for Deutsche Grammophon. Renowned for Chopin and Beethoven as well as for championing 20th‑century composers such as Pierre Boulez and Luigi Nono.07 Reviews
