Negative Positive
Title: Arrau's Somber Chopin Nocturnes
Review: Available elsewhere as part of a collection of impromptus, Claudio Arrau's distinguished performances of Chopin's Nocturnes and other works sound richer and more vibrant in this remastered set; among the latest in the Philips 50 series. Arrau's performances may not be enjoyable to most, since his playing tends to be quite dramatic, with a darker, more somber vision of Chopin's scores than found elsewhere from the likes of Barenboim and Rubinstein, among others. Still these are remarkable, distinctive performances which should be recognized as among the finest recordings of Chopin's Nocturnes. I doubt I have heard anyone else probe more successfully into the most melancholy aspects of Chopin's personality, done with much elegant, refined playing. Without question this is a splendid two CD set worth owning.
Is the review positive or negative? 