Chopin nocturnes

Ashkanazy and Pollini are both outstanding Chopin performers. Pollini does not have a complete Nocturne, a few are on his "must-have" piano concerto recording with Kletiz conducting. But will recommend his 3 cd Chopin set(Etudes etc),recording sonics are very good,the piano sound is very good as well. Ashkanazy does have 2 releases that contain all the Noctures. London/Decca 452579 all Nocturnes + 4 Ballads. The other is the complete Chopin music, that may be the way to go, Ashkanazy performs ALL!! the music with great technique with a poetic touch! The sonics are not too good(low volume on the amp is best), but will add that the piano does not have a grand sound to it, which seems to sing the music in an "old-style", like its timeless. For that reason you hear the music more and the physical piano itself seems to "disappear". Pollini's piano as well is tonally perfect for Chopin, and recording sonics are outstanding.

I do not recommend Artur Rubinstein's Chopin all the way. But AS far as for Nocturnes concern, Rubinstein on RCA are the two CDs set that i recommend with wholeheart. good play and good tone color sound.

I believe Vladimer Horowitz performs Chopin's Nocturnes as well, though Ashkanazy is something special on Chopin's music- I don't care for him playing Rachmininoff, that's not the question being asked though :)