Chopin: Piano Concertos 1 & 2

"In Martha Argerich's newest coupling her pianism remains as mercurial and her virtuosity as incadendescent as ever; indeed she has rarely sounded as captivating or characterful. Admirers of Argerich need not hesitate."
(3 Stars Penguin Stereo Guide)

"The two piano concerti by Chopin have been staples of the concert hall for many years. However, this is only the second recordings of these concerti by Martha Argerich. Ms. Argerich summons up all of the poetry and pathos that has made Chopin's concertos so popular over the years. She is ably supported by Charles Dutoit and the Orchestre symphonique de Montreal, who fulfil their role as accompaniment well and even manage a bit of acceleration in the Second concerto (first movement) almost as if to catch Ms. Argerich by surprise. Having had the pleasure of hearing Ms. Argerich play the Beethoven Second concerto in person, I know she can drive the concerto along. So here the orchestra gets a turn. When this disc was reviewed by Gramophone the comment was made that it seemed less a studio recording than a relaxed concert performance. I would agree. The concertos come of as the luxuriously tuneful works that they are with brilliant keyboard work by Martha Argerich. This recording is among the best of Chopin's concertos and I highly recommend it."
(Amazon.com)