Evgeny Kissin - ChopinI: Recorded at Carnegie Hall, Volume 1 (1994)

Yevgeny Kissin is one of the most successful pianists of his generation. This disc, recorded live at a Carnegie Hall concert, demonstrates why. Kissin is one of the best Chopin players alive. His playing of the big Fantasy is among the best performances I've heard, catching each mood of the music and playing with flexible rhythms that never deteriorate into anarchy. The Nocturnes sound like very private meditations, while the Scherzo is a big public statement. All of these fine interpretations are delivered with gorgeous piano tone, very well conveyed by the recording. You cannot hear better Chopin playing today. -- Leslie Gerber