Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 1; Concertino; Piano Quintet [ENHANCED]

Martha Argerich (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 23, 2007)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Emi Classics
• ASIN: B000VJ2710
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,936 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #24 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( S ) > Shostakovich, Dmitri
  #52 in	Music > Classical > Chamber Music > Quintets
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Argerich amazes again!, February 17, 2008

By	Mark Hennicke (A stone's throw from Carnegie Hall) - See all my reviews

Like many, I bemoan the fact that Martha Argerich hasn't been doing any solo recitals or making any solo recordings for quite sometime now. In fact, she has eschewed the recording studio altogether, preferring to release only live concerto & chamber recordings. We can, however, take great solace in the fact that these live recordings, particularly those from the Lugano Festival, have been absolutely brilliant, this present release being no exception. These performances were recorded at the 2006 edition of the festival, where we hear Argerich at her dazzling best. The Shostakovich Piano Concerto #1 finds the virtuoso pianist offering a stunning performance of this challenging Russian masterpiece, with able accompaniment given by the Orchestra Della Svizzera Italiana, under the baton of Alexander Vedernikov.
While the concerto is sheer brilliance, the real highlight on this cd is a captivating perfomance of the Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G-minor, Op.57. Argerich's technique is simply beguiling, aided by a live recorded sound that is quite sharp & focused. All the artists in the quartet that assists her are top-notch as well, with particular mention going to long-time collaborator, cellist Mischa Maisky. What a fabulous player he is, and what wonderful music these two icons of classical performance always seem to make together.
This cd is yet another highmark in the astounding career of the amazing Martha Argerich, and it will increase admirably a reputation that has already reached beyond the stratosphere. Don't hesitate to add these otherworldly performances to your cd collection.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Argerich shines in live DSCH recordings, December 27, 2007

By	Arien Crellin-Quick (Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

These are passionate, fiery performances of great Shostakovich works. Contrary to the previous reviewer, I find the sound to be vivid and crystal clear. The strings are lush, full, and have a great edge. The piano's lower register is deep and resonant and the highs crisp.

But the sound isn't what really makes this shine - it's the intensity and fire in Argerich's (and all others who appear on this recording) playing that makes this the most exciting rendition of these pieces I've yet to hear.

Highly recommended.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Disc of the year 2007!!!, February 6, 2008

By	M. Zimmermann (Vienna,Austria) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For me the new Argerich recording of the Shostakovich Piano Concerto 1 on EMI has been the greatest classical music disc of the year 2007!
Having always favoured her first recording of the same work on Deutsche Grammophon in 1994 I had my doubts whether this new reading would come close but Argerich did the exceptional and surpassed herself!
Although the 1st movement does not have the clear crisp and incredibly direct sound Argerich produced in 1994 there is something there which will make anyone crave for more. One has to admit that the orchestral balance is still a bit strange in the first movement and the conductor seems to lose his way sometimes with Argerich thundering away...
But the most incredible thing on this disc is the Second Movement which to my opinion never has and never will be heard again like this! The atmosphere Argerich creates here and the filigrane sound she produces is so astounding that you will forget to breathe...out of this world!!!! People who always critize her for playing too brutal should listen to this and forever hold their peace!