Op 9 No 1 Chopin

[Jorgen]

I am teaching myself to play the piano for three years now and I have a problem with Op 9 No 1 by Chopin. I searched the net for pianists performing this song resulting in:

www.jorgenhorstink.nl/chopin/Op_9_No_1_Arthur_Rubinstein.mp3
www.jorgenhorstink.nl/chopin/Op_9_No_1_Brian_Chapman.mp3
www.jorgenhorstink.nl/chopin/Op_9_No_1_Sviatoslav_Richter.mp3

They all play it differently. So my question is: are all three performances good ones?

Secondly I'd like some comments on my own performance, since teaching yourself is hardly impossible.

www.jorgenhorstink.nl/chopin/Op_9_No_1_Jorgen_Horstink.wav

[allchopin]

Although Rubinstein is typically the definitive reference for Chopin interpretation, I prefer a cross between Chapman and Richter's performances,as I don't like the mechanical nature of Rubinstein's flowing runs.  Your performance is good but have another look at 0:26.

[stormx]

You MUST listen to Arrau's version 

I cannot imagine how this piece can be played better 

And your play is very good.
I beleive Arrau take it a bit slower (i usually tend to prefer slower tempos, especially for Nocturnes).

By the way, keep in mind that i am giving my opinion as a simple listener, because i am completely unable to play any of these pieces !!! (Clementi's easiest sonatina is my current challenge  )

By the way, this is my favourite Chopin Nocturne.

[Barbosa-piano]

   Those are very good performances, but I would also suggest the recordings of this piece by Claudio Arrau, Guiomar Novaes and Ida Cernecka.

[robert]

You MUST listen to Arrau's version 

I would not generally say that Arrau is a great Chopin interpretator but when it comes to the Nocturnes in his "Recordings of the complete Chopin Nocturnes (+Impromptus)", and to this Nocturne in particular, it is among the best interpretations.