Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concertos & 19 Nocturnes – Arthur Rubinstein / John Barbirolli (2CD, EMI Classics References)

UPC: 077776449128 

MPN: CDHB 64491 / PM 617 

Brand Name: EMI Classics – References Series

Overview

This EMI Classics References double album unites Arthur Rubinstein, one of the 20th century’s greatest Chopin interpreters, with the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir John Barbirolli in a definitive collection of Chopin’s piano concertos and solo works. Featuring the Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2, all 19 Nocturnes, and the beloved Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2, these legendary recordings from 1930–1937 capture Rubinstein’s early artistry—elegant, poetic, and full of youthful fire.

Digitally remastered in 1992 from original analog masters, this edition preserves the warmth and spontaneity of the original performances while enhancing sonic clarity through the ADD process.

Product Features

• Format: 2 Compact Discs (Mono / ADD Remaster)
• Recording Label: EMI Classics – References Series
• Catalogue Number: CDHB 64491 (PM 617)
• Audio Quality: Analog-Digital Remaster (ADD)
• Recording Years: 1930–1937
• Genre: Classical – Piano / Romantic
• Style: Romantic Piano Concertos and Nocturnes
• Country of Manufacture: Germany
• Total Duration: CD1 – 78:11 | CD2 – 78:34
• Release Year: 1992 (Digital Compilation and Remastering)

Contents

CD 1 – Concertos & Early Nocturnes

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 – 33:21
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 – 26:44
3. Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2 – 3:27
4. Nocturnes Nos. 1–3 – 14:06

Arthur Rubinstein, piano London Symphony Orchestra – conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

CD 2 – Nocturnes Nos. 4–19

Complete set of Chopin’s Nocturnes, recorded between 1931–1937

Interesting Facts

• Rubinstein’s Youthful Brilliance: These early recordings capture Rubinstein’s unmatched touch and lyricism before his mature stereo era with RCA, offering a rare glimpse of his pre-war style.
• Historic Collaboration: The partnership between Rubinstein and Barbirolli brings out an orchestral grace and balance rarely achieved in Chopin’s concertos.
• EMI References Series: A curated collection of historically significant recordings, beautifully remastered for collectors and connoisseurs of early 20th-century performances.
• Timeless Repertoire: The inclusion of the full Nocturnes set showcases Rubinstein’s poetic intimacy—pieces that defined his artistic identity.
• Audiophile Remastering: Digitally restored at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios using high-fidelity ADD transfer, preserving tonal richness and atmospheric detail.

Publishers

Published by: EMI Records Ltd., Hayes, Middlesex, England Digitally Remastered and Compiled: EMI Records Ltd., 1992 Manufactured in: Germany Cover Photo: Turnbridge, London

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