Nocturnes

Frédéric Chopin

Arthur Rubinstein

1965 Stereo recording

Gil calls this 'maybe the iconic Chopin recording of all time' and his top recommendation. He praises its 'maturity and the gentleness,' 'elegance, the grace, the color,' and 'incredible' dynamic control. 'An iconic set.'

Apple Music — 19 Nocturnes.

Arthur Rubinstein

1930s Mono recording

Also 'beautifully musical' and 'very insightful,' though 'not as relaxed' as his 1965 recording.

YouTube — Nocturnes Nos. 11–16 only.

Label: EMI

Maria João Pires

mid-1990s

'Just gorgeous.' Pires 'really nails the ethereal quality' with 'a little bit more extended' tempos and a 'very beautiful, delicate touch.' Gil highlights the 8th nocturne (Op. 27 No. 2) as especially beautiful.

Apple Music

Ivan Moravec

1965

An iconic version with 'very, very flexible' and 'elastic' tempos. Moravec was a 'committed artist' who played with a 'gorgeous,' 'beautiful, soft touch, very delicate' tone.

Apple Music — 19 Nocturnes.

YouTube — Two Nocturnes, Op. 62 only.

Garrick Ohlsson

late 1970s

A 'very suave' and 'elegant' set that is 'more on the assertive side' and 'a little bit faster,' but shows a 'very good feel' for Chopin's rhythmic inflection. Very good sound.

YouTube — Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. posth. only.

Nelson Freire

2009

A 'very good modern version' with 'sumptuous, very beautiful tone.' Freire has a 'good feel for the romantic inflection' and the 'nocturnal mood,' with 'nice coloring and shaping.'

Ignaz Friedman

Nocturne, Op. 55 No. 2 1936

An 'incredible interpretation' of just one nocturne (Op. 55, No. 2). 'Captivating and beautiful,' it's an example of a romantic spirit who 'just seem[s] to have Chopin in their bones.' Gil says to 'at least find it on YouTube.'

YouTube — Nocturne Op. 55 No. 2 only.