Martha Argerich is my favourite pianist. Started playing at age 3. Performed her debut concert at age 8. A prominent pianists in popularity and ability, a living legend.
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1
Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No 3
Her performance of Liszt’s First Piano Concerto prompted this Guardian review: “it was an unforgettable performance. Argerich celebrated her 75th birthday, but that news doesn’t seem to have reached her fingers. Her playing is still as dazzling as frighteningly precise, as it has always been. Her ability to spin gossamer threads of melody matchless as ever. This was unmistakably, unashamedly Liszt in the grandest manner.”
Martha Argerich is renowned for her performance of virtuoso piano literature of 19th-20th centuries. Her extensive repertoire includes Bach, Beethoven, Messiaen, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky.
Received many awards – Grammy for Bartók, Prokofiev Concertos, Grammophone Artist of the Year, Grammy or Prokofiev’s Cinderella, Beethoven Piano Concertos 2, 3.
Received numerous distinctions – ‘Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres’, ‘Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ in France, ‘Accademica di Santa Cecilia’ in Italy, ‘Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays’ by Japanese Emperor, the prestigious ‘Praemium Imperiale’ by Japan Art Association and ‘Kennedy Centre Honours’ by Barack Obama.
Incredibly impressive and inspiring!