Pianist
Daniel Barenboim originally recorded these performances of
Frédéric Chopin's nocturnes in 1981. These reflective character pieces are handled with finesse and poetic expression by
Barenboim, who usually plays such subtle Romantic music with great restraint, thoughtfulness, and refinement, and seldom lets its passions get away from his control. To the extent that
Barenboim plays with a delicate touch and Deutsche Grammophon's wide audio range allows for many nuances, there may be some concern whether the volume of the recording will need adjustment because a soft level makes the piano seem too faint, while a recommended middle setting yields a more credible presence. Still, at whatever level of playback, this is a tasteful and polished rendition, and judging from
Chopin's own preferences in playing the nocturnes, it seems rather close in spirit.