Mazurkas
Frédéric Chopin
Arthur Rubinstein /
mid-1960s Stereo recordingGil's top recommendation. As 'Mr. Elegance,' Rubinstein has an 'innate feel for that Chopin flexibility of tempo,' making these 'just beautifully elegant.'
Arthur Rubinstein /
late 1930s Mono recordingAn alternative to his later set, this one has 'even a little bit more panache [and] personality.'
Vladimir Sofronitsky /
1960An 'excellent Chopin pianist' who plays these selections with 'wonderful imagination, wonderful virtuosity,' and a 'very poetic' feel.
Ignaz Friedman /
early 1930s'Irreplaceable' and 'gorgeous' selections from 'one of the greatest Chopin pianists.' Friedman plays with a 'romantic soul' and a 'consummate feel for the rhythmic inflection and the color and the shaping.' Gil urges listeners to seek out his recordings.