Regina Smendzianka (1924-2011)
Polish pianist

Regina Smendzianka, an apprentice of Zbigniew Drzewiecki, was a wonderful pianist.  She had a special relationship with the works of Chopin which she played with grace and charm, and with power when required.  Her technique was as formidable as it was unobtrusive.  And in her playing, the glorious Polish tradition which produced so many magnificent pianists lived into the 21st century.

The performance of the F minor concerto of Chopin with which we begin is one of the very finest I have ever heard.  The strength of this music, so often subdued, comes prominently to the fore, and the accompaniment by Rowicki and the Warsaw Philharmonic once again belie the notion that Chopin couldn't write for orchestra.  I would also like to single out her performance of the Berceuse as among the supreme recorded performances of this work.

We are treated to the complete set of waltzes by Chopin in which I promise you will hear attention to detail that will delight you.  Every note was written by Chopin for a purpose, and it is every note, every strand of polyphony, and every sub-melody that you will hear.  These are not waltzes that are dashed of as less than serious music.

There are a number of piano works by Polish pianist/composers of the turn of the 19th century which serve to illustrate the musical environment which served as such fertile soil to the young Chopin.

And do be sure to go to the bottom of the page where you will find a completer piano concerto by Mozart.

Chopin  Piano Concerto in F minor, Op 21
i Maestoso - 13:38 ➢ ii Larghetto - 23:38 ➢ iii Allegro vivace
Witold Rowicki conductsing the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra

recorded in 1958