Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 & No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58
Frédéric Chopin
Enregistrements
Arthur Rubinstein
1961Gil's top choice. He is 'just so masterly in these works.' He has the 'virtuosic chops, he has the sense of architecture for the drama,' and 'beautiful nuance,' for example in the middle of the funeral march. Also includes Barcarolle, Berceuse, and Fantasy in F minor.
Également Recommandés
Martha Argerich
1974A 'very famous and iconic' recording of Sonata No. 2 (coupled with her Preludes). It has 'volcanic power' and is 'impulsively dramatic,' especially in the first two movements and the funeral march.
Dinu Lipatti
1947A 'wonderful interpretation' of Sonata No. 3. It is 'very virtuosic, dramatic, but also a wonderful finesse.' The sound is 'somewhat distant' but clear.
William Kapell
early 1950s'Irreplaceable performances' of both sonatas, showing 'incredibly powerful sonority, the amazing virtuosity, but then also a keen musical mind.' Gil warns the sound is 'not very good,' especially the live No. 2.
Sergei Rachmaninoff
1930'One of the classics of classics' for Sonata No. 2. 'Just incredible power' from his 'massive hands.' The funeral march is 'insane' and 'overpowering,' and the finale is 'almost diabolical.' Sound has 'a little bit of hiss.'
Alfred Cortot
1928/1933Gil says, 'at first, if forced to choose, I think Cortot is actually my favorite.' He makes up for any lack in virtuosity with 'dramatic power [and] creative interpretation,' marrying 'the heart and the mind.' Sound has 'noisy hiss.'