Daily album review 13: Maurizio Pollini plays Chopin for heart as well as head

Released earlier this fall to coincide with his 70th birthday, Maurizio Pollini’s Deutsche Grammophon album of the 24 Op. 28 Préludes of Frédéric Chopin is impressive, offering something for the mind as well as the heart.

There are umpteen recordings of these pieces, as well as the two Op. 27 Nocturnes, four Op. 30 Mazurkas and the great Op. 31 Scherzo (No. 2), many of them wonderful in their own way. Even Pollini has recorded these pieces before.

So why pay attention to this disc?

With his phenomenal technique and control as strong as ever, Pollini brings a remarkable clear-headedness to this beloved music.

It is muscular where it needs to have punch, and sweet where it needs to shimmer wistfully. The pacing is unforced. There is just enough contrast between moods. And Pollini’s piano sound offers up the right mix of sonic heft and velvety touch.

Here is a master serving elegantly crafted, red-blooded interpretations of a master’s best work. You can’t go wrong.

For all the details, click here.

Here is a recital clip of Pollini performing the Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 27 No. 2 — which is on the album — a few years ago:

John Terauds