Elena Bezprozvannykh Plays Frédéric Chopin

The name of the piano understandably gets top billing on this 2007 Hänssler disc. No doubt this isn't meant to disparage the name of the composer: Chopin is incontestably one of the great romantic composers. Nor is it meant to dismiss the name of the pianist: Russian-born and Dutch-based, Elena Bezprozvannykh is a fiery virtuoso with a subtle touch and a sensitive tone. But the real star of the disc is the piano, a Blüthner Konzertflügel Model 1 with the heart of a hero and the soul of a poet. The instrument's tonal depths, warm colors, easy responsiveness, and its ability to soar in the lyrical passages and roar in the climaxes makes it ideal for any romantic composer's piano music -- and perfect for Chopin. His lush but lucid harmonies, plush but luminous textures, and sustained octave melodies and ringing bass lines are superbly realized on the Blüthner. Of course, much of the credit must go to Bezprozvannykh, who has the technique to handle the instrument and the spirit to get below the skin of the music. But while one can recall other recordings of the works here that match or surpass Bezprozvannykh's -- Richter's F minor Fantasie, Lipatti's Barcarolle, and Arrau's Nocturnes, among others -- the sheer beauty of the Blüthner makes this disc well worth hearing. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide