Yes, there's an old DG disc with Op. 24 Nos.1-2-4 (and the video from the 1975 Chopin Competition Monica's already indicated). If you want to listen to some really extraordinary interpretations of them go to YT and look for Ignaz Friedman. His Mazurkas are one of a kind and in my opinion he gives a possible account of that famous "Polish" thing you mentioned.

He seems to mostly use a straight 3 tempo throughout that one. In the 3rd movement of the f minor concerto, he doesn't.


I'm listening to one of them now (63/3), but it seems to be straight 3 also.

Both interpretations are nice, but I still think Zimerman's interpretation of the 3rd movement of the f minor concerto is the only one that deviates from a strict meter. I can't get the Meyerbeer scenario out of my head...but I'm definitely willing to accept that the meter deviation could have been a lot subtler than the Meyerbeer anecdote implies (that would certainly explain why Chopin was originally so frustrated with Meyerbeer's insistence that Chopin played his mazurkas in 4).

Persevere, not all the Mazurkas are born equal. Some are more "Polish" than others. Try this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2s9BJBwlv0

Alfie, you must be mistaken. Here is a better recording of that Polish-sounding mazurka:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxTqjQxWd1w

Juufie, you're right, Rubinstein sounds much more polished than Friedman.

Yeah, that's more like what Zimerman did in the concerto.

I have recently begun to seriously study/listen to Rubinstein's playing of the mazurkas. And trying to imitate him the best I can - something that is impossible to get perfected, but it has helped me, anyway.

But doesn't Zimerman look a lot like Chopin! I'm thinking body-double with that earlier video.