Live from the Concertgebouw, 1978 & 1979 [Live]

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Bela Bartok (Composer), Frédéric Chopin (Composer), Alberto Ginastera (Composer), Sergey Prokofiev (Composer), Domenico Scarlatti (Composer), Martha Argerich (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Martha Argerich
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach, Bela Bartok, Frédéric Chopin, Alberto Ginastera, Sergey Prokofiev, et al.
• Audio CD (May 9, 2000)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B00004LCAR
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,887 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Throughout her lengthy artistic career, pianist Martha Argerich has experienced many heights and depths: moments of "crisis" in which she hasn't always seemed prepared to offer the full extent of her artistic insights, but also many, many times when she has managed simultaneously to come into her own and to completely lose herself in music-making. Fortunately it's the latter snapshot of Argerich's career that this CD captures, drawing from two live recitals Argerich gave at Amsterdam's Concertgebouw in 1978 and 1979. They document the pianist's overwhelming gifts, with all the artistic characteristics that have made her so revered. The program is quite eclectic, with music from Prokofiev and Chopin--all familiar territory for Argerich, which she masters with arresting brilliance, extraordinary technical facility, and grandly sweeping gestures. A bit further afield on the program are such composers as Domenico Scarlatti and J.S. Bach. The latter might give one pause: Bach and Argerich? But in the slower movements of the C Minor Partita, it's astonishing to hear such uncommonly tender, feathery tones. In short, the music breathes. It's only too bad that in the faster movements of the Bach pieces Argerich resorts to her typically fiery, stormy attacks. --Teresa Pieschacón Raphael

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unmatchable, May 24, 2000

By 

musicmannz (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live from the Concertgebouw, 1978 & 1979 (Audio CD)

Looking back, I've always had a piece of music at the ready to show skeptical friends how simply amazing the piano can be. And, looking back, it's always been a Martha Argerich performance. My first was the Prokofiev toccata from her wonderful DG "debut recital" CD, in DG's originals series, which introduced me to a whole new dimension in terms of what was possible with the instrument if you had the technique, musicality and power to use it to full advantage - in short, if you were Argerich. The second was her 3rd recording of the Tchaikovsky 1 Piano Concerto with Abbado, where the incredible musical virtuosity of the ending still leaves me breathless after hundred of listenings. But my new one is from this CD - her stunning recording of the 3rd of Ginastera's Danzas Argentinas, delivered with unbelieveable rhythymic vitality and power, yet astonishingly detailed and articulate.

Arguably the greatest pianist of all time, Argerich spends this entire recital demonstrating why. From Bach to Ginastera via Scarlatti, Chopin, Bartok and Prokofiev, her interpretations could not always be called conventional, but they always have a remarkably internal consistency - a sense of singular purpose and energy that picks the listener up and sweeps them along with her towards an inevitably fiery or beautiful (as appropriate) conclusion that leaves you awe-inspired. This recital is not music to relax to, or something to put on in the background. It's a disk to pay attention to, as though you were in the audience, and simply be blown away by the remarkable combination of music, technique and power that Argerich embodies. [A note for audiophiles: minor interruptions of audience noise in the quiet passages are included for the sake of realism. Get over it!]

For whatever reason, Argerich seems to reserve her unquestionable right to record only sporadically. The many holes in her recorded legacy of the solo and concerto repetoire, as it stands, will surely be a timeless regret to musicians and music lovers everywhere if she chooses not to commit more of her genuinely unique talent to disc. This recital, at least, plugs a few more gaps with her unique brand of genius. Just get it, and prepare to be amazed.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A long awaited sigh of relief..., May 20, 2000

By 

somebody (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live from the Concertgebouw, 1978 & 1979 (Audio CD)

Solo performances by Martha Argerich have been documented as a rarity. Recorded live at the Concertgebouw, this disc shows her lively spirit as a performer who defies definition, bringing new life to the repertoire. Usually embracing the warmth and comradery of concerto and chamber music settings, Argerich escapes to perform a wonderful collection of virtuosic works for piano; works that allow her masterful technique to shine. A mystery to friends and admirers, she remains one of the most widely discussed and highly scrutinized pianist of our time. Through bold interpretation, her performance is electrifying and uniquely organic, fueled by an adventurous spirit. The clarity of her playing allows this music to be graceful without prettification. With flawless musicality, she interprets every phrase with a dramatic sense of rhythm, tempo, and articulation, defying the notion that she plays engulfed in her own volatility. From the pacing of Chopin and Bach, to the driving, playful textures of Prokofiev, Ginastera and Bartok, Argerich shows that her versatility as a concert pianist is near genius, full of unusual surprises with every twist and turn. This is a theatrical performance not to be missed.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quintessential Argerich, July 30, 2000

By 

Toby Wyeth (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live from the Concertgebouw, 1978 & 1979 (Audio CD)

Martha Argerich is certainly known for her power, her rich interpretations, and for her virtuosity, all of which can be heard on this disc to the highest calibre. I own several Argerich discs and this one rates up there with her recording of the Rachmaninoff Third in my books. She has real taste and it is striking in this recital compilation - her Bach is exquisite, lyrical, and my favorite Bartok is unbelievably powerful. She attacks the keyboard and it gives me the chills to listen to. Her versatility is second to none, and this live performance just helps to prove her place as the century's greatest pianist.