Argerich's interpretation of Chopin is flawless, as always. Besides the Sonata, also Hungarian Rhapsody by Liszt is well-nigh perfect. Brahms' Rhapsodies she infuses with sustained power and tangible emotion, while she resists the temptation to play Ravel's "Jeux d'eau" too fast, rather letting the relaxed piano fountains run their spectacular game. Toccata No.11 by Prokofiev is a welcome enrichment, with wildly fast octave sequence toward the end of the piece.
This album is a treasure.
Yes, her technique is brilliant and flawless and her interpretations are uniquely hers, but that is a virtue to me. Is she convincing? Yes! She takes such chances and is able to hold a line while letting it almost run out. She never plays it safe.
You can pick your favorites on this disk, but they are all worth hearing. The b-minor sonata of Liszt is for the ages. The specifics of each performance are really not the point. You should hear this disk and it belongs in your collection. It will challenge what you think you know about how these pieces should be played.
