Here is one of the stronger entries in Brilliant Classics’ comprehensive, albeit uneven complete Chopin boxed set, now released as a single CD. Dutch pianist Folke Nauta’s ear for detail, broad tempos, and huge, sonorous dynamic range fuse swagger and nobility throughout the mature Polonaises. Notice the steady pace, meticulous, long-lined trills, and very subtle accelerations in the A-flat Op. 53, or the quasi-orchestral impact of the bass-oriented Op. 26 and Op. 40. These words similarly characterize the great F-sharp minor Op. 44 Polonaise, in which only Nauta’s tinkly upward scales following the central Mazurka episode fail to convince. Nauta plays the Polonaise-fantasie mostly in tempo, and makes expressive points through articulation, color, and voice leading rather than with rubato. On the other hand, the Andante spianato e grande polonaise’s scintillating sparks never ignite due to Nauta’s steadfast aristocratic reserve. Too bad it’s the opening track, but if you skip it you’ll still have 63 minutes’ worth of relatively low-key yet heartfelt, thought-out, and well-engineered Chopin Polonaise interpretations.
