Chopin NIFC recordings

[stefanher]

My shells are groaning under the number of recordings of Chopin I have although I suppose compared to some people on the forum my collection is modest. These recordings all by pianists I have never heard bar Demidenko are on an original piano & were according to Gramophone "a revelation" which sums up their reviews of everything these days. Can I therefore ask if a more critical spirit on this forum agrees with their assessment or not?

[josé echenique]

My shells are groaning under the number of recordings of Chopin I have although I suppose compared to some people on the forum my collection is modest. These recordings all by pianists I have never heard bar Demidenko are on an original piano & were according to Gramophone "a revelation" which sums up their reviews of everything these days. Can I therefore ask if a more critical spirit on this forum agrees with their assessment or not?

You should always read the Gramophone´s reviews, any review in fact, with guarded precaution.
The major suspicion with the Gramophone critics is, of course, that they tend to favor, often shamelessly, British talent and British labels.

[Donald Isler]

There may be something to what Jose writes. For example, I have been very disappointed that the British magazines have totally ignored my releases on KASP Records. I had hoped for some attention as my label has produced first recordings of music by recognized composers, such as Spohr and Schnabel, but they haven't yet written a word about them.

[stenka razin]

There may be something to what Jose writes. For example, I have been very disappointed that the British magazines have totally ignored my releases on KASP Records. I had hoped for some attention as my label has produced first recordings of music by recognized composers, such as Spohr and Schnabel, but they haven't yet written a word about them.

Donald, have you tried sending promotional copies from your recording label to Gramophone?

That British magazine has a North American edition. Maybe you could convince them to review some of your CDs there in that part of Gramophone.

I know I would love to see your recordings reviewed there.

Good luck, my friend,

Regards,
Mel

[Ted Quanrud]

My shells are groaning under the number of recordings of Chopin I have although I suppose compared to some people on the forum my collection is modest. These recordings all by pianists I have never heard bar Demidenko are on an original piano & were according to Gramophone "a revelation" which sums up their reviews of everything these days. Can I therefore ask if a more critical spirit on this forum agrees with their assessment or not?

Hi Stefanher --

I have eight of the NIFC CDs with six more on order. I'm too old a bunny to find much of anything "revelatory" these days, but I have found these recordings for the most part to be greatly enjoyable and to have expanded my understanding of Chopin. That only a few of the participating pianists have international reputations or major label contracts is not relevant to me -- there is far more talent out there than we will ever hear or hear about. They are all dedicated and skilled Chopinists. By the same token, the use of period pianos does not make for more "definitive" performances. They do, however, give us a clearer idea of Chopin's sound world.

I will not buy all of the NIFC CDs (if I never hear the songs again, it's no great loss, and I am perfectly happy with Ax/Mackerras Sony CDs of the orchestral works with a period piano). I hope, however, that NIFC will publish an index -- finding specific pieces is a real chore.

In short, don't expect any "revelations; just sit back, enjoy and wonder anew at the multifaceted, undefinable and never-to-be-fully-captured genius of Frederic Chopin.

Ted

[Chalkperson]

If the NIFC is the Polish series of recordings played on the pianos that Chopin was used to and which have beautiful Black and Red Artwork, then I cannot recommend them too highly, up until yesterday I had eleven volumes, yesterday I bought the six new ones, excellent performances one and all...also I find this Collection to be the most rewarding of all the Chopin Boxes etc issued this year, they have a Chopin Museum too...I would love to visit it...

http://chopin.museum/en/new/exposition

BTW, Fanfare also gave rave reviews to this series...

[Donald Isler]

Thanks, Mel, for your ideas and good wishes!

[Chalkperson]

Thanks, Mel, for your ideas and good wishes!

He's right, send your CD's to Gramophone US...

[Donald Isler]

Thanks, Chalkie. I may eventually look up Gramophone America, and send them something I've produced.