Blazing Argerich 1965
A very fine remastering of a landmark final confirms the pianist’s legendary reputation
Chopin
Piano Concertos Nos 1 & 2*
(Seventh International Fryderyk
Chopin Piano Competition, 1965) Martha Argerich, *Arthur Moreira Lima (piano); Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra/ Witold Rowicki
F Chopin Institute NIFCCD637 64:39 mins
It’s easy to hear how the 24-year-old Martha Argerich emerged as the winner of the 1965 Chopin Piano Competition. Here she is in the final round, playing with fiery spontaneity in the First Concerto, capturing all its turbulence and wistfulness, with insouciant playfulness in the finale. Mind you, she has an exceptional lead from Witold Rowicki and the Warsaw Philharmonic, who set up a searing opening tutti before her arresting first entry. The sound in this issue is clearer than in previous incarnations I’ve heard, and the tonal range of orchestra and soloist is finely balanced and captured. Arthur Moreira Lima had been the favourite at the start of the competition, and might well have won in different circumstances. His playing in the Second Concerto is gentler than Argerich’s, and the climaxes don’t open out as much; sometimes the more decorative writing lacks the ultimate in definition and character, but the slow movement has a flow and sense of shaping that goes to the heart of the music. A very fine Chopin performance, but Argerich has the aura of greatness. ★★★★