Evgeny Kissin - ChopinI: Sonata in B Minor; Mazurkas, Volume 2 (1994)

This CD is possibly my favorite of all which I own. Kissin's technical prowess rivals that of pianists twice his age, yet it is neither age nor technique that sets him apart from his peers, but his unmatched sensitivity and insight. This is musicianship of the very highest caliber. Kissin has a special affinity for Chopin. His very natural touch and "declamation" sound like what one must imagine Chopin, himself, must have played. "Natural" is really the best word for Kissin's pianism--his sincerity is almost disarming. I would say that the slow movement of the sonata--itself an unjustly underperformed work--is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written, and in Kissin's hands it is absolutely breathtaking. Mr. Del Dotto is right, though. The Mazurka in Am (op.17, no.4) is painfully beautiful. The final barely audible return of the original theme is absolutely haunting. It is true that this is nothing like the Chopin you might be familiar with. Kissin's interpretations are absolutely unique, which may be a turnoff to some. But this is not merely different, it is BETTER. There is nothing in the world like Kissin playing Chopin.