Martha Argerich - Music for Two Pianos (2008)
EAC Rip | Classical | 2 CD | FLAC + CUE + Log | Covers | 563 mb | TT 02:26:19
Released: September 16, 2008 | Label: EMI Classics
Martha Argerich, Mirabela Dina, Gabriela Montero
Lilya Zilberstein, Polina Leschenko, et al.
This immensely entertaining collection of works for two pianos featuring the inimitable Martha Argerich and friends is a composite recording of works from the Lugano Festivals of 2003 - 2006, and while many collectors may have the annual recordings from these festivals, this particular emphasis on works for two pianos alone is worth adding this affordable CD to the collection.
Not all of the works on this powerful CD (live performances all!) were written for two pianos: the Tchaikovsky Suite from 'The Nutcracker' is a transcription as is the Prokofiev Classical Symphony. For this listener it matters not a bit. In fact the transcription of the Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 by Rikuya Terashima as performed by both Argerich and Yefim Bronfman is for this listener one of the highlights of the album. All of Prokofiev's humor and biting satire are tossed off by these two artists with ease. It is dazzlingly well played! There are a few rarities to enjoy here - the Rachmaninov 'Six Morceaux' for piano four hands (which ends with a tribute to Mussorgsky) and Suite No. 2 for two pianos (with Gabriela Montero) are far too seldom heard.
The Brahms Sonata in F minor for two pianos is monumental and played with passion and precision as is the shorter 'Variations of a them by Haydn: Lilya Zilberstein joins Argerich on the former and Polina Leshenko on the latter. Ending the two disc set is another rarity - Lutoslawski's 'Variations on a theme by Paganini' for two pianos (Giorgio Tomassi seconds here). Though the work is a brief 5 minutes it holds much of the almost orchestral-like coloration of the master's major works.
For those who remain under the spell of Martha Argerich this recording is a treasure. Be aware that the applause from the live audience is recorded also... -- Amazon customer
Tracklisting:
Disc 1
1. I. Ouverture miniature:- The Nutcracker, Suite from the Ballet (transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economu)
2. Marche:- The Nutcracker, Suite from the Ballet (transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economu), II. Danses caractérisque
3. Danse de la Fée Dragée:- The Nutcracker, Suite from the Ballet (transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economu), II. Danses caractérisque
4. Danse russe Trepak:- The Nutcracker, Suite from the Ballet (transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economu), II. Danses caractérisque
5. Danse Arabe:- The Nutcracker, Suite from the Ballet (transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economu), II. Danses caractérisque
6. Danse Chinoise:- The Nutcracker, Suite from the Ballet (transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economu), II. Danses caractérisque
7. Danse Mirlitons:- The Nutcracker, Suite from the Ballet (transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economu), II. Danses caractérisque
8. III. Danse des Fleurs:- The Nutcracker, Suite from the Ballet (transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economu)
9. I. Introduction (Alla marcia):- Suite No. 2 in C Op. 17
10. II. Valse (Presto):- Suite No. 2 in C Op. 17
11. III. Romance (Andantino):- Suite No. 2 in C Op. 17
12. IV. Tarentelle (Presto):- Suite No. 2 in C Op. 17
13. No. 1, Barcarolle (G minor):- 6 Morceaux Op. 11
14. No. 2, Scherzo (D major):- 6 Morceaux Op. 11
15. No. 3, Thème russe (B minor):- 6 Morceaux Op. 11
16. No. 4, Valse (A major):- 6 Morceaux Op. 11
17. No. 5, Romance (C minor):- 6 Morceaux Op. 11
18. No. 6, Slava (C major):- 6 Morceaux Op. 11
Disc 2
1. Allegro non troppo:- Sonata in F minor for 2 pianos Op.34b
2. Andante, un poco adagio:- Sonata in F minor for 2 pianos Op.34b
3. Scherzo (Allegro):- Sonata in F minor for 2 pianos Op.34b
4. Finale (Poco sostenuto - Allegro non troppo - Presto non troppo):- Sonata in F minor for 2 pianos Op.34b
5. Theme - 'St Anthony Choral'. Andante:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
6. Variation I. Andante con moto:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
7. Variation II. Vivace:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
8. Variation III. Con moto:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
9. Variation IV. Andante:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
10. Variation V. Poco presto:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
11. Variation VI. Vivace:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
12. Variation VII. Grazioso:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
13. Variation VIII. Poco presto:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
14. Finale. Andante:- Variations on a theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos Op.56b
