Olga Scheps - Chopin: Piano Concertos (2014)

Olga Scheps must be one of the most unhurried players in the classical world. She savors every phrase much like Arrau did, and has her own rhythm, so we often hear elements of the music we may not have picked up on before, or revealed in a totally new individual way. These sparkling performances are a delight. BIS previously had issued a nice recording of the chamber versions of these concertos based on the composer's manuscript, and here also we have versions with string accompaniment, but in this case adapted by Richard Hoffman in 1877 for No.1 and recently by Ilan Rogoff for No.2. Sometimes the melodic line for whatever reason is different than what we are used to but it always works. The strings delicately pulsate and shiver delightfully, and being the sole accompaniment have an intimate interplay with the soloist, who is nevertheless up front so we can fully appreciate all the keyboard dazzle. All very engaging and thoroughly enjoyable. Recording quality is outstanding. I have many fine versions of these concertos eg Pollini, Argerich, Zimerman, Zacharias, and I consider Scheps' recording to be up with the best. I also recommend her other recordings, especially the Schubert miniatures but also Chopin solo works and the Russian Album.