Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 & No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58
Frédéric Chopin
Arthur Rubinstein /
1961Gil's top choice. He is 'just so masterly in these works.' He has the 'virtuosic chops, he has the sense of architecture for the drama,' and 'beautiful nuance,' for example in the middle of the funeral march. Also includes Barcarolle, Berceuse, and Fantasy in F minor.
Martha Argerich /
1974A 'very famous and iconic' recording of Sonata No. 2 (coupled with her Preludes). It has 'volcanic power' and is 'impulsively dramatic,' especially in the first two movements and the funeral march.
Dinu Lipatti /
1947A 'wonderful interpretation' of Sonata No. 3. It is 'very virtuosic, dramatic, but also a wonderful finesse.' The sound is 'somewhat distant' but clear.
William Kapell /
early 1950s'Irreplaceable performances' of both sonatas, showing 'incredibly powerful sonority, the amazing virtuosity, but then also a keen musical mind.' Gil warns the sound is 'not very good,' especially the live No. 2.
Sergei Rachmaninoff /
1930'One of the classics of classics' for Sonata No. 2. 'Just incredible power' from his 'massive hands.' The funeral march is 'insane' and 'overpowering,' and the finale is 'almost diabolical.' Sound has 'a little bit of hiss.'
Alfred Cortot /
1928/1933Gil says, 'at first, if forced to choose, I think Cortot is actually my favorite.' He makes up for any lack in virtuosity with 'dramatic power [and] creative interpretation,' marrying 'the heart and the mind.' Sound has 'noisy hiss.'