Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Chailly Martha Argerich - Rachmaninoff Concerto No 3 in D minor Op 30 Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No 1 in B flat minor Op 23 (6 tracks) +Album Reviews

A scorcher!

Eddy Oquendo | New York, New York USA | 12/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rachmaninoff's piano concerto number three has never attained the popularity of his more lush, second concerto, but it's his most monumental. It recieved proper reverence in the movie "Shine," as it is, at the apex of the piano repertoire.While I own several, worthy recordings of this masterpiece, Argerich's version, with Chailly and the RIAS Symphony Orchestra Berlin, is my favorite. This is a no-holds-barred interpretation, with Martha rampaging through this monster like a woman possessed. She flexes her virtuosic muscles with Olympian authority, brutal speed, and the brashness of youth. This is no cold, pedagogical rendition, my friends; this is an emotionally charged, lustful orgy of notes! That's what romanticism is all about, isn't it? Just listen to the wild applause at the end, those people knew that they had witnessed magic!The "live" aspect of this CD is a real plus, lending an air of occasion to the performance. "Live" recordings are difficult to engineer properly, but this effort is captured nicely, with a clear, "upfront," yet spacious sound. Great performances are much more pleasing when they're capably recorded.Also on this disc is an excellent rendition of Tchaikovsky's (very popular) piano concerto number one, with Kondrashin. This performance is, likewise, well recorded. Argerich's blazing treatment of the final movement whips the audience into a thunderously jubilant appreciation for what they've just heard.I mention audience reaction (twice) for good reason; listening to these efforts, I'm caught up in the passion of the moment in which they were recorded, and I feel as one with those lucky ticket-holders. You will too!"

I love Martha !

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 03/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By far my favorite recording of Rachmaninoff's 3rd, Martha rips into it with such passion and strength, capturing our hearts with her rendition of this flamboyant and magnificent concerto, that displays a pianists virtuosity and allows for some wild showmanship. Those that became familiar with the piece from seeing the film "Shine", should hear this performance ! Martha, with her stunning technique, plays it to the max.On this CD you get an extravagantly emotional double bill, with a fabulous Tchaikovsky 1st as well. A melodic celebration of romanticism, it's here played with dazzling gusto.These are live performance recordings from 1982 (Rachmaninoff) and 1980 (Tchaikovsky) and must have been quite a treat to witness, as her public appearances have been few and far between. She is peerless, a genius in all her glory, and as Bryce Morrison writes in his liner notes, "Argerich defies even whispered comparisons"."

May not be for everyone

Alejandra Vernon | 01/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To me you can not get a better recording of the Rach 3. Her technique is above and beyond Horowitz and the speed is frightening at times. However I have to admit that Martha Argerich is not for everyone. Some of you who like the older schools of music, the more specific and riggid schools of piano, probably want to find someone else playing. Martha has some very unique musical ideas and does not follow all the markings exactly. This is a GREAT recording though."

Not the best and not Her best either

emmkay | NY | 10/25/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Martha Argerich's pianism is nothing short of stunning. Even on this disc, the playing is quite incredible, if for no other reason than the fact that most pianists would not dream to attack either of these pieces at the breakneck tempi Argerich chooses. But herein lies also the problem. There is zero Russian soul in this performance of these two pieces which, despite the pomp and grandiosity they exhibit on the surface, are nonetheless very intimate statements by their composers. For the Tchaikovsky, for example, compare Argerich's far superior recording with Charles Dutoit on DG (which unfortunately seems to be out of print at the moment). This recording is interesting as a curiosity and certainly dazzling both for the piano playing and the Chailly's amazing work in keeping the orchestra together with the soloist. But these are not in any way reference performances."

Wild and exciting (perhaps too so)

C Drummond | England | 02/03/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These are very interesting recordings of two of the great Romantic piano concertos. They are both very fast recordings (though contrary to the editorial review, not as fast as Horowitz's seminal recordings with either Reiner or Barbirolli). Martha Argerich plays like a woman possessed which at times appears lacking in sensitivity or control. For instance, the chordal cadenza of the 1st movement of the Rachmaninoff sounds clumsy, and the flashy pianistic climax of the finale of the Tchaikovsky feels overly rushed. However, there are times, especially in the finale of the Rachmaninoff and the intermezzo of the Tchaikovsky, during which her style works wonderfully and shows unparalleled virtuosity. Overall the recordings are very satisfying, despite occasional mistakes and lapses in timing between the piano and orchestra. However, I have mentioned Vladimir Horowitz and I simply cannot recommend these recordings above his performances with Reiner (Rachmaninoff) and Toscanini (Tchaikovsky in the legendary War Bond concert). As an addition to those recordings though, this CD is a fine purchase."

Search - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly, Martha Argerich :: Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 / Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23

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