Martha Argerich: The Legendary 1965 Debut Recording

This disc, recorded in 1965, has previously been unreleased because of the exclusivity terms of Argerich's contract with DGG which followed on closely from these recording sessions. Argerich went on to record a disc for DGG which was very similar in content to this recording for EMI but it is arguable that this earlier disc captured the finer recital especially when it is now possible to compare the two side by side.The piano sound on this EMI disc is very realistic and full toned. It is cut at a high level which makes the Abbey Road studio sound rather 'bigger' than normal giving the illusion of a large empty hall rather than the recording studio. The piano timbre has no trace of woodenness, only verging on slightly clangorous timbre at moments of greatest power. These issues can easily be tamed by slightly reducing the playback level. Whatever, the playing is of such splendour and gripping intensity that any quibbles over recorded sound perfection are completely negated by the musical results and their impact.A generalisation can be made when comparing the DGG alternative with this slightly earlier set. It is often very difficult for artists to re-capture the spontaneity of first attempts even if later attempts may achieve greater technical perfection. Thus Argerich's EMI recital recorded on this disc has a freshness and spontaneity of expression that is not quite matched by the, admittedly fine, DGG alternative.There is just a touch of hard driving about the sonata, scherzo and polonaise in the later DGG disc which is not present in this EMI predecessor. This current disc offers a typically crisp range of tempi, but it achieves that velocity, power and excitement without any trace of being over-driven. Apparently, the final movement of the sonata was recorded in one full take and that may explain the enhanced suggestion of spontaneity present throughout this disc. The rest of the program, the three mazurkas and the nocturne, are examples of jewel-like and delicate miniatures.This then, is a very special recording which captures Argerich in full youthful and unspoiled enthusiastic form. There is an unusual degree of spontaneity present throughout and I would suggest that this disc would make a most attractive addition to any collector's record library even if the later DGG disc is already on collectors' shelves.

Although not a connoisseur but, neverthless, appreciative of fine classical music, I believe this performance by Martha Argerich to be, without doubt, the most exceptional I have heard and is comparable with any top virtuoso. It is no wonder that this highly talented lady has achieved so much.Considering that this recording was originally made over 45 years ago, I personally cannot fault the sound quality and, to me, it is just as if I were listening to a live broadcast by this magnificent pianist. Close your eyes, and it is easy to visualise a beautiful young lady in her mid-twenties, with raven-coloured hair, seated at the piano in a dress with white spots (as depicted on the sleeve) flawlessly producing this wonderful sound.The musical attributes of this lady are beyond description and I imagine that all of her performances were, and still are, of such excellent quality.

In the absence of a full DVD or CD of Martha's winning programme in the 1965 Chopin piano competition, this is about as close as you can get to March 1965 (check out her performance of the op.53 polonaise on youtube!)The performances are full of fire and passion, amazingly powerful for such a frail-looking young woman with (at that time) small hands, but poetry and introspection are also present when required.The only slight downside is the recording, which compared to the DG take of a virtually identical programme a couple of years later, is a bit boomy and not 100% "clean" - one would have expected a little more from EMI, especially at Abbey Road.That apart, one hell of a CD!

quicksilver fingering with tremendous dynamic range and enormous sensitivity when appropriate. Excellent recording quality.

The previous reviews aroused my curiousity, so I decided to check this out, even though I tend to go for complete editions rather than recitals. Certainly the right decision; although the recording is almost as old as I am, it sounds absolutely fine to my ears, but more to the point, Martha's performance shows she was already at the top of her game. Quite amazing considering this was her first recording. Well worth buying even if you already have these Chopin pieces.

Bought for one piece, the heroic polonaise which I heard on radio 3. I already have several recordings of this and this was by far the most exciting. In her younger days Martha Argerich stood out above the rest. The other versions I have are good but this is stand-out

How have I let so many years go by before buying this wonderful recording? Have seen her so often - especially early in her career. This is such a joy. Effervescent. Technically superb. Just amazing.

Sound quality may be a little flat but this is a stunning recording of the one of the greatest pianists of our time at the start of her career. It is unmissable.