The debut recording by the Argentinian pianist Martha Argerich took the public by the storm all over the world – and the applause has still not subsided! A mere glance at the repertoire shows that she was reaching for the stars. To bring five composers together on an LP of roughly 45 minutes length means nothing other than speaking five different musical languages – and Martha Argerich proves herself a master of them all! The demonic opening of the Scherzo in C sharp minor gives way to an iridiscent dialogue which sings and sparkles beyond compare. The Barcarolle rocks gently along; Prokofiev’s Toccata is filled with dynamic force and nervous agitation; Ravel’s Jeux d’eau is pensive and introverted, with the water rippling in a circular motion. As a contrast, the two famous Brahms Rhapsodies are performed with passion, impetuosity and occasionally the required heaviness.
This recording is surely one of the brightest candles to burn anew on Deutsche Grammophon’s birthday cake.
180 gram LP w/ Standard Sleeve
Recording: July 1960 at Beethoven-Saal, Hannover by Heinz Wildhagen
