With this release Ian Hobson launched a complete Chopin cycle in anticipation of the composer’s 2010 bicentennial. As a result of chronological programming, Volume 1 consists of youthful works that predate the composer’s more familiar masterpieces (the early E minor Nocturne Op. 72 No. 1, however, is a long-time staple among pianists). Hobson plays the early Polonaises well, spinning out the decorous melodies with firm-toned lyricism and a genuine sense of air between the notes. Hobson’s broad, subtly inflected A minor Mazurka Op. 68 No. 2 contrasts to his brisker, incisive way with the obscure, posthumously-published Mazurkas. Yet Hobson’s solid, direct treatments of the Ecossaises, A major Variations, and Rondos are not so animated and individually characterized as those in the Ashkenazy and Ohlsson cycles. Nor do I care for Hobson’s brusque, matter-of-fact interpretation of the aforementioned Nocturne. Still and all, Hobson’s best efforts might convince collectors to follow this series.
