Ian Hobson's traversal of the complete works of
Chopin continues in volume eight with solo works from the years 1833-1837. This is the period when
Chopin became widely famous and his productivity increased greatly not only in terms of the number of compositions, but also in terms of the quality. Some of
Chopin's most famous works from that period are found here: the Ballade No. 1, Op. 23; the Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. 27/1; the Valse brillante in A flat major, Op. 34/1.
Hobson also includes lesser known and unpublished pieces such as the Presto con leggierezza, which
Hobson deftly renders as a little bagatelle of a work that will bring about a smile. The Ballade and the Polonaises, Op. 26, are where the music is its most emotionally concentrated. In these,
Hobson doesn't overdo the rubato or contrasting dynamics to wring drama out of the music, but gives them shape and color in a natural-sounding way. He is always able to find a melodic line to highlight, regardless of how small it might be, for example in the five-note, low bass line opening of the Polonaise in E flat minor. In the C sharp minor Nocturne, the left hand is very understated, yet it subtly adds to the overall shaping of the melody.
Hobson is also able to remind listeners that most of these works are dances, again not distorting them with rubato that would impede their momentum.
Hobson recorded this collection in one studio, but in several different sessions. There is some difference in sound between tracks, with some being just a little more cavernous than others. Regardless,
Hobson's playing demonstrates that this period is where the genius of
Chopin emerged.