Nikita Magaloff was known for his
Chopin performances. This reissue of a 1954 recital is a sampling of how he approached the works of that Polish genius. It's an enjoyable disc because he lets the music speak for itself. His readings are relatively unadulterated, not overly burdened with extra emotive rubato, pedaling, or other coloring, which lets the music's intrinsic appeal come through clearly. The Largo of the Sonata No. 3 shows the most depth of feeling; it's where you feel he has the most personal attachment to the music. There are really gorgeous moments in the Impromptu No. 2 and the Berceuse, where he is playing gently, smoothly, and lyrically. Those moments make you wish you could hear that same elegant touch applied in passages in the other impromptus, letting a little more of his own personal feelings color the music. Also, although it is a really good mono recording, there is a certain depth of sound missing. The packaging is cardboard sleeve reprint of the original album front and back, so the few notes are small and hard to read. It's a pleasing recording, but it may also leave you wondering if there is more to
Magaloff's playing than what is here.