Maurizio Pollini - Chopin: Polonaises (1976) [2010 SACD]

The major work on this collection is the closing Polonaise-Fantasie in A Flat Major Op. 61, a brilliant 13 1/2-minute work. A recent Decca SACD from Ashkanazy also provided this piece, but Pollini has the edge in a more vibrant and exciting performance as well as improved transparency in the multichannel sound. The Polonaise as a dance was known throughout Europe, but it was especially connected with Poland, and Chopin composed them all during his short life. Some of these pieces are quite grandiose, some of a heroic mein and others very sad in mood. Pollini makes the strongest case possible for their stature in Chopin’s [ouevre], and the clarity and clean dynamics of DGGs hi-res sound contribute greatly to the cause. (But the piano is still too wide…)

Tracks:

1. Polonaise for piano in C sharp minor, Op. 26, No. 1
2. Polonaise for piano in E flat minor, Op. 26, No, 2
3. Polonaise for piano in A major, Op. 40, No. 1
4. Polonaise for piano in C minor, Op. 40, No. 2
5. Polonaise for piano No. 5 in F sharp minor, Op. 44
6. Polonaise for piano No. 6 in A flat major, Op. 53
7. Polonaise-fantasy for piano No. 7 in A flat major, Op. 61