Chopin Nocturne No. 20 in c sharp minor (Posthumous)

I just realized that I have yet to include an audio file on this blog. So here is the remedy- an exquisite gem from a pianist's composer.

Side note: since this work was published posthumously, there are probably as many different versions in print as there are versions in performance practice. Everyone seems to pick and choose whatever suits them at each of the divergence points. This particular performance uses the [second published] edition that juxtaposes 3/4 against 4/4 in the second section of the nocturne. The other editions place both hands in 4/4, which can result in a more rigid sound and approach.

The performer is Claudio Arrau, an old-school (earlier 20th century) musician. He plays the work with much more freedom than a contemporary conservatory student would. Something of a shame really, this modern fad of working so hard for "authentic" performances. Who is/was closer to the actual composer (and thus might be more authentic)?

Barenboim's performance runs a close second.