Chopin ① Polonaise No. 3 in A major, Op. 40-1 "Military" ② Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 9-2 ③ Waltz No. 1 in E-flat major, Op. 18 "Grande Valse Brillante" ④ Waltz No. 7 in C-sharp minor, Op. 64-2 ⑤ Waltz No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 64-1 "Minute" ⑥ Polonaise No. 6 in A-flat major, Op. 53 "Heroic" ⑦ Mazurka No. 23 in D major, Op. 33-2 ⑧ Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 (posthumous) ⑨ Mazurka No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 7-1 ⑩ Nocturne No. 11 in G minor, Op. 37-1 ⑪ Nocturne No. 5 in F-sharp major, Op. 15-2 ⑫ Nocturne No. 8 in D-flat major, Op. 27-2 ⑬ Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 ⑭ Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31 Artur Rubinstein (piano) Recorded: 1959-1966 This is a popular album packed with Chopin's most famous pieces by Rubinstein, a collection of the best takes from various songbooks, as the title suggests. From the gorgeous opening starting with the "Military Polonaise," it adds a change with the nostalgic Waltz No. 7, bursts forth with the light "Minute Waltz" to "Heroic Polonaise," or the arrangement that brilliantly concludes with the melancholic Ballade No. 1 after the darkness of the nocturnes, and finally with Scherzo No. 2, also shows a sense of style, making it a perfect introduction. Rubinstein's Chopin, even after nearly half a century since the recording, has not faded at all, but rather shines even more. With an extremely moderate performance, he reveals the warm romance and masculine aspects that Chopin possesses. While it is calm, it does not lack clear meaning. Because it is not eccentric, you can enjoy the music with peace of mind. Each note has warmth, which suits Chopin's quiet yet passionate personality. The wonderful expression that harmonizes the melancholy and elegance of Waltz No. 7, the loveliness of "Minute," the masculine bravery of the polonaises, and the skill of expressing the conflicting emotions of the ballades and scherzos, and so on, there is no end to the list. It is extremely calm and full of extremely human emotions. Rubinstein's Chopin makes the listener happy. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Japanese edition, no obi, no scratches on the disc 10 * We will discount for bulk purchases (please comment in advance) 150 yen off for each additional item