Artur Rubinstein, Chopin – The Chopin Collection - The Nocturnes

Chopin – The Nocturnes (The Chopin Collection)

Frédéric Chopin
Performed by Artur Rubinstein

A definitive traversal of one of the most intimate and poetic corners of Chopin’s output, this collection of nocturnes finds its ideal interpreter in Artur Rubinstein, whose playing is widely regarded as among the most natural and deeply felt in this repertoire. Across these works, Chopin’s gift for lyrical melody and harmonic colour unfolds in music that feels like private reflection set to sound.

The nocturnes trace Chopin’s evolving voice over time - from the early elegance of Op. 9, where melodic simplicity and salon intimacy dominate, through the increasing emotional depth and structural ambition of Op. 27 and Op. 32. As the collection progresses, the music grows more introspective and harmonically daring, particularly in the darker, more dramatic works of Op. 48 and Op. 55.

Rubinstein’s interpretations are characterised by warmth, unforced rubato, and an innate sense of phrasing that allows each nocturne to breathe naturally. Rather than imposing drama, he draws it out from within the line itself, making these performances feel personal, direct, and timeless.

This is Chopin at his most vulnerable and expressive—music of night, memory, and quiet emotional intensity.

Tracklist:

The Nocturnes

Op. 9
1-1. No. 1 in B-flat minor – 3:23
1-2. No. 2 in E-flat major – 4:23
1-3. No. 3 in B major – 6:46

Op. 15
1-4. No. 1 in F major – 4:17
1-5. No. 2 in F-sharp major – 3:53
1-6. No. 3 in G minor – 5:00

Op. 27
1-7. No. 1 in C-sharp minor – 5:36
1-8. No. 2 in D-flat major – 6:12

Op. 32
1-9. No. 1 in B major – 4:38
1-10. No. 2 in A-flat major – 5:46

Op. 37
2-1. No. 1 in G minor – 6:19
2-2. No. 2 in G major – 6:52

Op. 48
2-3. No. 1 in C minor – 5:51
2-4. No. 2 in F-sharp minor – 7:17

Op. 55
2-5. No. 1 in F minor – 5:38
2-6. No. 2 in E-flat major – 6:33

Op. 62
2-7. No. 1 in B major – 5:48
2-8. No. 2 in E major – 5:17

2-9. Op. 72 No. 1 in E minor – 4:42