Customer Reviews

Martha Argerich 2 (Great Pianists of the Twentieth Century series)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was surprised to find this disc was reviewed by only one person. But I can understand this. Not many can criticize her performance in these discs. The contents are rather standard. You can listen to these Chopin, Schumanm and Liszt played by many artists. But this Argerich's recordings are "the Essential of Essentials." Believe me, this CDs won't end up as a collection, you'll be addicted to this performance.

After hearing her work on the Sampler disc, I chose hers as the first of the "Great Pianists of the 20th Century" to purchase. It was a good choice. Anyone who has ever played (or even looked at) this music knows how difficult it is. In her hands, it sounds easy--and beautiful. You'll have goosebumps.

Martha Argerich is a pianist's pianist - her dazzling technique, intense musicality and blazing tempos impress and awe other pianists who are fine musicians themselves. Her virtuosity never impedes her incredibly beautiful sense of melody throughout this music, which is a selection of Chopin, Liszt, and Schumann.

Get ahold of this CD if you can. It's a wonderful compilation of works of performances by a consummate artist.

I refer only to disc no. 1, which I have just heard. Well, Argerich is really not something. She's extravagant-impressive in the more "aggressive" pieces, but terribly disappointing in the more lyrical ones. Her left hand is banging, and she misses the whole Chopin sentimentality.

For the Preludes I recommend Pogorelich, although his tempos are altogether crazy (this makes him original and surprising), or Pollini (no one equals his lucidity, and his fast tempo is also intriguing), or Ashkenzy (the most "standard" among the great ones), or - of course - good old Brailowsky (I hope they managed to improve the sound). Argerich is far behind them.