4 Ballades

Frédéric Chopin

Arthur Rubinstein

1959

Gil's top choice. A 'masterly' interpretation from 'Mr. Elegance.' It is 'elegant and graceful,' 'very, very strong,' and has 'wonderful finger work.' Very good stereo sound.

Apple Music — Four Ballades on an album with the Scherzos and Tarantelle.

Label: RCA

Krystian Zimerman

1987

A 'very intimate interpretation, very romantic' with a 'beautiful tone.' It 'really brings out the dramatic elements, the different dynamics.'

Apple Music — Four Ballades on an album with the Barcarolle and Fantaisie.

Murray Perahia

1994

A 'beautiful version' from an 'intelligent musician' who 'married that grace and the beautiful touch... to excellent finger work.'

Apple Music — Four Ballades within a Chopin recital.

Alfred Cortot

1929

From a 'consummate romantic spirit.' It's 'incredibly virtuosic and dramatic,' played with an 'ease of spontaneity and freedom' that 'brings out this character.' The sound is 'fairly dim' with hiss.