The Naxos transfers are of Rubinstein’s London recordings made at Abbey Road in 1932 (the Scherzi) and 1937 (the Nocturnes). They are transferred from 78-r.p.m. originals (in excellent condition) by Stuart Rosenthal, with some background noise still present at times. One also feels that in the Nocturnes a little more space could have been allowed between each piece…this is fair value at the Naxos price.

“Critics’ Choice.’ How remarkable to to have the greatest of Rubinstein’s Chopin, his 1932–39 recoridngs, available on Naxos. A bargain of bargains, no more extrovert or subtly ebusive Chopin exists.”