Pno Ctos 1/3 [Import]

I have quite a few recordings of the Rach 3 by various pianists. Each artist delivers an exquisite and unique interpretation. By far, my personal favorite is performed by Ms. Martha Argerich.

WARNING: Your speakers may burst into flames by the power and passion delivered by Ms. Martha Argerich.

Another favorite of mine (on DVD: The Cliburn - Playing on the Edge) is performed by Ms. Olga Kern. At 26, she tackles the Rach 3 and leaves you in awe.

Check out both performances. You will not regret it. Both are essential for your collection.

If you translate speed as 'firestorm' and 'rollercoaster ride' etc, as has been previously noted, and if you look for mainly rollercoasters and firestorms in the music of Rachmaninov, then
you will likely very much enjoy this cd. If, however, you require an expression of the Rachmaninov sensibility that can also be found in his other works, then it is my opinion that this interpretation is lacking in that area. Argerich does very well for herself and the music in the slower passages of this concerto, expressing the insight to Rachmaninov that she seems to lose sight of in the bravura passages. It also seems to me that she creates a bit of a muddle when she gives equal balance to her left hand where, in my opinion, the right hand should take precedence. This occassional lack of balance does not at all seem to be a technical error, but rather an interpretive one which results in the loss of sensibility and emotional continuity throughout the piece. Well, in any case, it is gratifying to see some of the reviewers take so much enjoyment in this recording. My only wish is that, in their enthusiasm for Ms Argerich' interpretation of the R3, they would not seem to exclude other interpretations that take a different perspective on the music(specifically the fine Ashkenazy). As to the Tchaikovsky: Although the engineering is lacking in self evident
ways, and with the exception a hard to ignore klunker in
the opening sequence of the concerto, Argerich does fine work

and shows the panache needed in this Tchaikovsky showpiece.

Some complain about the recording balances on this disk. I suppose they have a point. It is a live recording and sometimes you have to take what you can get. At times things do sound a bit strange, but focus on the playing instead and you should be able to get over the recording issues in a hurry. This is exciting playing.

If you compare these versions to, say, Horowitz's recordings of these pieces (and I think that is the league Argerich is playing in), you will find a different kind of virtuosity. To me Horowitz at his peak still has greater control and especially more power, but it is just a matter of degree.

Argerich has a certain kind of mad excitement in these performances that make them her own. She has fabulous technical control that feels like it is always on the edge of falling off the track, but she never does. Just breathtaking!

These are two of the great piano concertos and Argerich is one of the great pianists. These performances are memorable, maybe recorded less than perfectly, but still recordings you will want to have in your collection. I have listened to this disk many times and still find it exhilarating.