Posterity has judged Alfred Cortot as one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century. This fourth disc in the Naxos five volume series devoted to his 78rpm era recordings of Chopin includes three rarities: My Joys and the Polonaise-Fantasie, both unreleased on 78rpm, and the first-ever CD appearance of the 1933 version of the Piano Sonata No. 2. Completed in only fourteen takes on 6 July, this version of the Sonata has incredible energy, particularly in the last movement. The stunning performance of the Grande Polonaise, Op. 22 demonstrates Cortot�s total understanding of Chopin�s use of the decorated melodic line. The popular Polonaise in A flat, Op. 53 is played with majestic swagger and pomp, aided by a well recorded Steinway piano.