The Art of Chopin

Offering a bicentennial tribute to celebrated Polish composer and pianist Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), this double-disc set serves up Gérald Caillat's titular documentary, which combines basic biographical information (illustrated with a nice selection of artwork) together with an appreciation of Chopin's music. The latter is provided by excerpts from various works performed by a wide array of pianists (including such luminaries as Vladimir Horowitz, Artur Rubinstein, Krystian Zimerman, and Martha Argerich), some of whom (such as Bella Davidovich, Evgeny Kissin, and Yuja Wang) also offer commentary. However, the focus here is on American pianist Garrick Ohlsson, not only opening with a black-and-white sequence of his prize-winning appearance in the 1970 Chopin Competition, but also returning to him for the most extended observations, including an analysis of an étude that is both insightful and easily understandable by nonmusicians. Ohlsson is also the star of the second DVD, a live recording of a 2009 concert in which he plays both of Chopin's concertos with the Warsaw Philharmonic under the baton of Antoni Wit, presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo. A fine introduction to Chopin's life and music, this is recommended. [Note: also newly available on the Arthaus Musik label is Chopin at the Opera, priced at $28.98.] Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)