The Art of Chopin [2 Discs]

"As a meditation on the life and influence of Fr?d?ric Chopin (1810-49) that was produced to commemorate the great Polish composer's 200th birthday, this unique program falls into two distinct halves. It begins with a traditional hour-long documentary by G?rald Caillat that studies the musical scribe's life and work; then it segues into the second half - a series of contemporary and vintage performances by world-renowned artists, who interpret excerpts from some of Chopin's most beloved compositions. These luminaries include Krystian Zimerman, Artur Rubinstein, Evgeny Kissin and Martha Argerich. Classical historian Garrick Ohlsson also turns up to reflect and pontificate on Chopin's genius. As an added bonus, this release features an August 2009 concert film where Ohlsson performs Chopin's concertos, backed by The Warsaw Philharmonic and Antoni Wit."