About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Critics love to moan about how today's pianists are boring, faceless, and overly cautious, yadda, yadda, yadda. Nonsense! There are just as many exciting and original musical personalities out there now as in the so-called golden age. If you are searching for a sensitive soul, then Radu Lupu is your man. If you hanker for inspired quirkiness, you've got Ivo Pogorelich. If breathtaking virtuosity floats your boat, Arcadi Volodos won't disappoint. And then there's Martha Argerich. Has there ever been a pianist so exhilarating? Every time she plays it's like an immolation scene in concert. Take these Chopin concertos, for example, which most pianists dispatch almost daintily, as if trying to hide virtuosity behind a display of good manners. Argerich burns through the runs and roulades with the same kind of fiery intensity that Maria Callas used to forge bel canto opera arias into dramatic shape. Even in the slow movements her playing throws sparks. Most pianists play them in such an understated way, it's no wonder this pair of romanzas appear on so many "music for relaxation" compilations. However, if you are planning to use these performances as background music, then think again. Like Callas's singing, Argerich's music making demands your undivided attention. In fact, after experiencing Argerich's way with these works, you just might not want to listen to anyone else's. Andrew Farach-Colton, Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

• Listener Rating: