Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op.54: I. Allegro affettuoso
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op.54: II. Intermezzo : Andantino grazioso
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op.54: III. Allegro vivace
The Beethoven Triple Concerto is a strange work, with the most important---or at least prominent---solos given to the cello; it is the instrument which introduces each movement. The remarkable Martha Argerich wisely allows... more » Mischa Maisky to shine in his solos and leading position, but her contribution is anything but back seat. Her customary virtuosity is everywhere in evidence, and, in a way, she turns the piano into the spinal column of the work, with the violin and cello playing around her. Every time Maisky is about to lapse into a mannerism which might detract---too much sliding, a dynamic slightly exaggerated---Argerich brings him back, and both of them play with handsome tone. Capucon's violin is recorded a bit stridently (this was taped live in Lugano), but his playing is equally stunning. Alexandre Rabinovitch-Barakovsky leads the orchestra matter-of-factly until the final movement, when he catches the proper fire. In the Schumann A minor concerto Argerich is wonderful the solo passages and a fine partner in orchestrated ones and she really makes much of both the lyrical runs and the dance-like passages in the last movement. Recommended. --Robert Levine« less
The Beethoven Triple Concerto is a strange work, with the most important---or at least prominent---solos given to the cello; it is the instrument which introduces each movement. The remarkable Martha Argerich wisely allows Mischa Maisky to shine in his solos and leading position, but her contribution is anything but back seat. Her customary virtuosity is everywhere in evidence, and, in a way, she turns the piano into the spinal column of the work, with the violin and cello playing around her. Every time Maisky is about to lapse into a mannerism which might detract---too much sliding, a dynamic slightly exaggerated---Argerich brings him back, and both of them play with handsome tone. Capucon's violin is recorded a bit stridently (this was taped live in Lugano), but his playing is equally stunning. Alexandre Rabinovitch-Barakovsky leads the orchestra matter-of-factly until the final movement, when he catches the proper fire. In the Schumann A minor concerto Argerich is wonderful the solo passages and a fine partner in orchestrated ones and she really makes much of both the lyrical runs and the dance-like passages in the last movement. Recommended. --Robert Levine
CD Reviews
A Rare Gift
Jeffrey Schram | 01/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A find if there ever was one. This recording (opposing the reviewer above) demonstrates the very essence of music. In the Triple Concerto the soloists blend unlike any I've heard before. With it's live recording, the energy is at such a high level it leaves one breathless throughout much of the soloists' phrasing (specifically Argerich). The orchestra, too, has an energy unheard in many American orchestras (or European for that matter). Comparing this to the Rostropovich/Oistrakh/Richter recording is not possible. There is a delicacy throughout the piece's power that the R/O/R recording could not achieve.
The energy of the orchestra and the compatability of the soloists makes this one of the most cherished recordings in my colection.
This is a rare recording that makes one wonder why the world of classical music is diminishing."
Wonderful Beethoven
Ralphus | Goyang, Gynggi-Do Korea (South) | 01/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Triple Concerto is often referred to as being a "strange" work. I once held this view, also. Listening to this performance dispels any such feelings. This is a passionate, exuberant performance from soloists who obviously enjoyed making this music. The finale is so vivacious and "life-affirming" that it makes you cherish the work as one of Beethoven's greatest. Which it surely is! We should get past the view - perhaps engendered by performers in the past who never really understood it and didn't relish its collaborative solo roles - that this is a strange or somehow sub-par work.
For me, Argerich is the star here. She audibly reigns in Maisky's tendency to become indulgent at times. But all three soloists play with fire, conviction and a real sense of enjoyment.
The famous Richter, Oistrakh, Rostropovich recording has usually been seen as the benchmark for this concerto, but, as fine as it is, I've always found it a little heavy-handed. I much prefer the more "bon vivant" approach taken by Argerich & Co. in the present performance.
The Schumann is wonderful too. It's not too disimilar to Argerich's approach in her studio recording with Harnoncourt.
While the orchestra and conductor are not the stars here, they do a fine job. Personally, I had no problem with their contribution in the Beethoven."
Great collaberation of musicians performing Beethoven and Sc
Amy | 07/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For many years now Martha Argerich has avoided the soloist's limelight in order to focus on concerto playing and chamber music partnerships. Yet being the force of nature and individual artist she is, Argerich usually winds up dominating her colleagues with her amazing talent. In the case of Beethoven's Triple Concerto, where the piano part is relatively easy compared to the violin and cello parts challenges, Argerich turns out to be a team player. She constantly adjusts her sound and her phrasing to accommodate the supple runs and dynamic shifts Renaud Capucon and Mischa Maisky pull out of their interpretive magic hats. The outer movements benefit from RabinovitchBarakovsky's basic tempos. In the Schumann Concerto's first two movements Argerich toys with the music, speeding up and slowing down phrases. For his part, Rabinovitch Barakovsky basically steps aside and lets the pianist run the show. As a result, the Intermezzo's soloist/orchestra dialogue emerges less as a conversation than a fight for the spot light. However, both conductor and pianist pursue a steady course with a rapid, light fingered finale, although you can tell the orchestra is hard pressed to maintain absolute precision at such a pace. These performances are very exciting very exciting to listen to, and never a dull moment."
Argerich blends politely in the Triple Concerto, then takes
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 06/13/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"EMI has been giving us a full report of how Martha Argerich spends her summers, espcially when it comes to the Lugano Festival. In this Beethoven Triple Concerto we get a vigorous, sunny performance that is at odds with Argerich's fiery reputation. The conductor is not an equal partner to three great soloists like Argerich, Maisky and Capucon--perhpas that's why they sound a little uninvolved. Or it could be that Capucon's small, elegant tone guided the trio into a more refined style. Anyway, they all play lovingly, so it's an engaging performance.
Argerrich's first entry in the Schumann concerto comes from another world. Even though it's the same conductor and orchestra, she takes charge. I remember her stuido recording of this work on Teldec with Harnoncourt as brash and impetuous. NOt so here: she is energetic but in a sunnier, more relaxed mood. For once the work doesn't seem too brooding, and one can sit back and appreciate Argerich's many lyrical touches. Of course, when passion is required, she can turn it on with lightning speed. All in all, I'd call this a great performance. Five stars."
Wow!
David C. Green | Suwanee, GA USA | 11/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit I was a bit hesitant in buying this disc. I read the review on BMG and the reviewer made it sound as though I'd be better off flushing my money down the toilet than purchasing this recording. I wisely chose to read the amazon reviews and went ahead and bought it. Wow! It is an absolutely gorgeous performance of a truly unique work. Though many other composers have since written their own concertos for piano trio and orchestra, this is THE concerto. Also, Argerich, Capucon, and Maisky are amazing in their interpretation. No one really "steals the show" from the other two, thus making this a truly magical collaboration among equally talented performers. The orchestra provides excellent support without simply disappearing into the backdrop. A nice follow-up, the Schumann is likewise well-played by Argerich. She is a truly inspired virtuoso, and she lets you see it. I strongly recommend this recording."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1