DVD Martha Argerich, Evening Talks
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - Insight into the Legend
Years ago when starting to collect classical music, I developed a basic rule regarding anything recorded by Martha Argerich - just get it as it will be historic and something totally unique. This DVD is no exception. While not all always agree with her takes on certain pieces, most all with a pulse will agree that Martha Argerich always makes the music she plays an electrifying headline event.

You have heard her play - maybe even in person - but here now you can get to know what makes this legendary pianist tick. Like anyone we have not yet met, she may not fit into your imaginations of her. A straightforward-talking person commanding several languages in the interview, Argerich is always unpredictable in what she says as in her playing at times. You got to love anyone who tells you that Bach's colassal c-minor partita puts her at ease - especially at the breathtaking velocity she plays it at. It is featured as a stunning encore performance along with a scintillating scarlatti sonata - all of which also revealed her recent agreement to play recitals again on a small scale in past few years.

Also what will just levitate you is watching her stroll into the concert hall, smile and begin to play rapid-fire just as she touches the stool. Stunning as is much of the many performances including several films of her performances in the 60's through 80's and even dating back to her intro as a world performer in the 1965 Chopin competition. A DVD to get for the collection and share with classical friends.

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Rating: - Martha Discloses to a Degree
If you are a Martha Argerich fan like me, you'll likely greatly enjoy this video. Ms. Argerich has been said to be reclusive, impulsive, often haunted by stage fright, and generally shy of the limelight. Coupled with her impassioned, outside-the-envelope playing, Martha engenders enduring admiration and curiosity among her fans. In this approximately 70 minute video, Martha indulges us with a glimpse of her artistic traits, passions, and motivations.

The video includes a number of performance excerpts from throughout her career; and particularly, Ms. Argerich describes her special reverence for a favorite teacher from her teenage years, the late Friedrich Gulda. She also describes how she learned the Prokofiev 3rd piano concerto, subliminally.

For anyone who would enjoy seeing and hearing this artist's personal insight into her life as an esteemed pianist and as a hair-raising musical genius, buy this video.

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Rating: - Martha Argerich Evening Talks
Fascinating conversation with a musical genius. Fabulous insider look at a rehearsal of the Schumann Piano Concerto. I treasure this DVD about an artist that heretofore has been very inaccessible.

John McD. Wolff, MD

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Rating: - Perspectives
I did, of course, know of Martha Argerich. I have a copy of her debut recording, when she was a teenager of growing international renown. This movie goes back and forth in her career, beginning in medias res, working with a young violinist. The film contains clips of her earlier performances, interspersed with her "evening talks" with associates and the film maker. Her perspectives on her career, her professional relationships, and her relationships with music/composers is beyond enlightening. It is amazing to watch her work. This film will repay both your purchase and your study.