Rubinstein's CD

[Aspiring Romantic]

2 months ago, I bought the EMI Rubinstein plays Chopin CD Collection consisiting of the chopin nocturnes, marzukas, concertos, polonaises, scherzos, etc.  Rubinstein played in the 30's.   Every amazon reviewers praised this CD, yet I can't understand why.  I was utterly disapointed after listening all the CD's.  I even forced myself to listen a few times more to find something subtlle.  I found all his tempo irregular and out of control.  Rubinstein just seems to show off how fast he can play.
Anyways, i am contemplating whether i should buy the Rubinstein Collection no. 45 (scherzi's, and ballades) for my birthday.  Once again, the amazon reviewers claim that this cd is a work of god.  Please give your honest opinion on this CD, I don't want to fall into another trap.

[hodi]

finally i find someone who thinks like me.. rubinstein playing is sometimes... too fast?

[pianomann1984]

In the 30's Rubenstein was not practicing, so his playing was often fast, irregular, and unreliable.  Because of poor recording techniques, he thought he could get away with it.  In the 40's, because of an increase in recording technology, he realised he could no longer do it and so hired a barn in France, practiced ridiculous amounts, retired from performing periodically, and completely reformed his technique.  You'll notice that most recordings made after this time are much more controlled and mature.

[Aspiring Romantic]

can someone give me a review of that CD? (vol.45) Is it truly good or am I wasting my time.

[SteinwayTony]

can someone give me a review of that CD? (vol.45) Is it truly good or am I wasting my time.

Rubinstein's Ballades and Scherzi are my favorite.  Just the right amount of rubato, minimal pedal, ideal Chopin in my opinion.

If you don't already have this set, consider buying it in the recent Living Stereo reissue (it's the same recording).  It's remastered and also cheaper.

See here: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002TKFS6/

[DarkWind]

Find some recordings of his Spanish Music. There is one CD of pure Spanish works like those by Falla, Mompou, Granados, Albeniz, etc. and it is purely amazing.

[allthumbs]

Greetings

Rubinstein's Ballades and Scherzi are my favorite.  Just the right amount of rubato, minimal pedal, ideal Chopin in my opinion.

If you don't already have this set, consider buying it in the recent Living Stereo reissue (it's the same recording).  It's remastered and also cheaper.

See here: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002TKFS6/

You got my vote on that one. I recently purchased that CD and it is very good IMO.

Cheers

[etudes]

can someone give me a review of that CD? (vol.45) Is it truly good or am I wasting my time.

well i found that his ballade and scherzo is awesome! i really love that recording
very recommend

[trunks]

I too - albeit being one of the staunchest Rubinstein admirers in the world - would also frown upon many of his early (mono) Chopin recordings. They often contain deviations from the texts, if not technical flaws.

BUT you have my heart-felt, fully unreserved recommendation on anything he recorded in stereo (ie, in his mature years), plus the mono Liszt recording that contains Liebestraume 3, Mephisto Waltz No.1, Hungarian Rhapsodies No.10, 12, Funerailles, Valse Impromptu, Valse Oubilee No.1, Consolation No.3.

I am a happy owner of the massive 85CD Rubinstein collection. If there is only one set that I could take with me to Heaven this would be the set.

[Waldszenen]

2 months ago, I bought the EMI Rubinstein plays Chopin CD Collection consisiting of the chopin nocturnes, marzukas, concertos, polonaises, scherzos, etc.  Rubinstein played in the 30's.   Every amazon reviewers praised this CD, yet I can't understand why.  I was utterly disapointed after listening all the CD's.  I even forced myself to listen a few times more to find something subtlle.  I found all his tempo irregular and out of control.  Rubinstein just seems to show off how fast he can play.
Anyways, i am contemplating whether i should buy the Rubinstein Collection no. 45 (scherzi's, and ballades) for my birthday.  Once again, the amazon reviewers claim that this cd is a work of god.  Please give your honest opinion on this CD, I don't want to fall into another trap.

The 94-CD set he did on RCA is superb compared to the EMI ones.

[Aspiring Romantic]

Thanks guys for your insights and opinions.  I bought the scherzi's and ballades and am very pleased with it. (he sounds a lot different)

[SteinwayTony]

Speaking of that 94-CD set, there's a rare find on eBay at the moment -- you can bid on the limited edition book that is only found in the ($1300+) box set.  It was at $10 last I checked.