Chopin Nocturne Op 32 No 2 A flat Kissin Rec 1993

If you like Chopin Nocturnes played with the same pedaling and coloring that one would employ when performing Debussys Clair de Lune, you will love this performance by Evgeny Kissin.. I am placing. Guiomar Novaes and Garrick Ohlssons performances of this work on You Tube for what to me, are more stylistically correct conceptions. . I also hope that readers will listen to Rubinsteins 1949 recording that I have posted on You Tube. Please realize that I am a great admirer of Kissin in certain repertoire. I recently attended a Prokoviev-Chopin recital given by the pianist. He gave wondrous, stylistically perfect performances of the Prokofiev compositions. I also enjoyed and was impressed by Kissins.performance of various Chopin Etudes. As is almost commonplace these days, he has (to use an over used cliché) technique to burn. It was only in lyrical sections of certain Chopin works that the pedaling and Expressionistic coloring mentioned in the first sentence, came into play. I have noticed this tendency in several younger pianists. For me it is anathema. The following is a more detailed criticism. If you like this performance, DON:T BOTHER TO READ IT. After all, it is just one persons opinion

.!. The whole composition is pedaled the same way from beginning to end. It is though the whole nocturne was notated under one long slur line.
2. There is very little voicing other than occasionally in the bass line.
3. Variety of touch is next to non-existent. In the B section, Chopin indicates that certain notes should be played non-legato. Kissin ignores this as he also does with Chopins pedal markings.
4. The accompanying 8th note triplets in the A section are rhythmically flaccid.
5. Upon the return of the A section, Chopin writes Appassionato. I think Chopin meant more than just playing louder with a lot of pedal.