Chopin: 14 Waltzes; Barcarolle; Nocturne No. 2; Mazurka No. 3

Still regarded by many as the greatest set of Chopin waltzes ever recorded, Dinu Lipatti's performances continue to astonish. He strokes the keyboard with such delicacy, finesse, and, where required, unobtrusive strength that the music simply seems to play itself. All of Chopin's music is, of course, exceptionally well written for the keyboard, but the sense of rhythmic lift, the inevitability--these are the hallmarks of a great artist. It's terrible to think that when he made this stunning recording, Lipatti was already in pain and dying of leukemia; there's certainly no hint of it in his playing. EMI's transfer has been accomplished with considerable skill, and we can only be grateful that Lipatti was with us long enough to finish this affecting tribute to all that's most beautiful in life. --David Hurwitz