Allan Gotthelf wrote:

>For the Ballade No. 1, you must hear Josef Hofmann's version.

Yes, and it should demonstrate to you how NOT to play the Ballade.  IMHO,
Hofmann's mannerisms and distortions misuse the music to show off his
virtuosity, much as Horowitz was to do later on.  And as it was said of
Horowitz, "he can sure play the piano, but I am not so sure he can play
Chopin, et al."

John Dalmas
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