In a contemporary field vastly overcrowded with excellent players this qualifies as one of the best performances of this particular work. It does seem highly calculated, but his beautiful tone, commanding technique, grandly spacious concept, unhurried phrasing and exquisite cantabile playing make this a superior rendition.
In response to the earlier comment here that says this is not poetic enough, what Rafal is doing here, as any genuinely respectable musician would do, is to give effect to the original musicality to speak of itself, rather than relegating the music as a medium through which the musician expresses himself
If ever a piece in “The Grand Style” this is a concept that describes the most beautiful poetic utterance. The psychology of great music is a most elusive state of unity; of spirit, soul and mind. When brought to perfection by the physical artistry of pianist like this philosopher genius we are left breathless and truly awestruck. I would love to see this opus fleshed out by a ballet corps featuring the prima ballerina. PWG
zumindest bei der entscheidung war die Juri in warschau absolut korrekt -- der beste chopin Interpret für mich mit Abstand seit pollini ( Einschränkung .manche Stücke hab ich noch nicht von Lugansly gehört , der beste bei der 4 . ballade, warte auf chopins klavierkonzerte mit lugansky :) )
6:45 at the same time, remember your friend recently die stabbed, and a girl wat i love and is "platonic" or no? She smile ever time i look to your face.
Certainly outstanding technical skills, but often young pianists tend to overabuse of their technical abilities. It is an excellent rendition but rather cold; for me it lacks expressiveness and interpretation. In fact there are several other modern recording just like this one, very good technically but rather emotionless. I guess music being a very personal thing, other people may just love this version and find it outstanding.
Pas du tout d'accord, bien au contraire sa parfaite maîtrise technique permet à ce merveilleux interprète d'exprimer avec une parfaite liberté , toute la palette de sa sensibilité, avec force, finesse et délicatesse ... La technique est au contraire l'instrument de l'expression de l'émotion par l'interprète, en même temps que celui de sa transmission à l'auditeur, et elle est si bien maîtrisée et "incorporée" qu'elle se fait complètement oublier...Comme celle , mutatis mutandis, du boucher Ding dont parle excellemment Zhuangzi !
It is not possible for this music not to communicate emotion. He plays it truthfully and authentically to its maximum capacity without putting himself to the forefront. If you want overly dramatic interpretations that is your taste but not really a critique with any value.
I disagree, but readily admit that Horowitz's old studio recording has never equalled for sheer beauty, intensity, virtuosity and poignant emotional involvement. More recently Pletnev's deeply felt, highly original interpretation shimmers with an astonishing array of exquisite tone coloration, Novaes too was one of the greatest -- perhaps THE greatest -- Chopin interpreters who ever lived. That aside THIS is better than good.
