Composers: Fryderyk Chopin Performers: Ronald Smith Label: EMI Classics Release Date: 8/10/2004 Running time: 141:26 SPARS code: ADD Album review: Recorded between 1973 and 1975, Ronald Smith's engaging performances of Chopin's Mazurkas receive a fresh remastering in this generous compilation from EMI. In a sense, this 2004 reissue may be regarded as a memorial tribute to Smith, who, after many years of recording for EMI, died earlier in the year at 82. Valuing the spontaneity and fluidity of live performance over the artificial practices of the studio, Smith resisted multiple takes; he recorded Chopin's Mazurkas with the same flexibility and verve he lavished on the music in his concert performances, and preserved his naturally flowing expression at the expense of tidy editing. The results of Smith's recordings are not always even -- for example, his dynamics vary quite a bit from piece to piece -- but his beautiful shaping of phrases and careful balancing of longer sections through judicious rubato make the Mazurkas highly coherent and rewarding. Few listeners will care to listen to this double-disc in one sitting, for 58 Mazurkas can become hard to differentiate in succession; but hearing a few at a time may be the best way to appreciate them. EMI's refurbished recording is free of tape hiss, and the piano has full presence, rich sonority, and, as Smith wished, no distracting cuts. ~ Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide