Album

Listen to this disc. It is the reason recordings exist. First: the repertoire—Beethoven's C minor and B flat major piano concertos—is among the greatest ever composed. Second: the pianist—Martha Argerich—is among the greatest living pianists. Third: the conductor—Claudio Abbado—is among, no, simply is the greatest living conductor. Fourth: Argerich and Abbado have known each other almost 40 years and the affectionate and sympathetic performances on this disc are a testimony to the strength of their musical relationship. Fifth: while Argerich's previous recording of Beethoven's B flat concerto with Sinopoli was light and lively, this one with Abbado is lovely and delightful. Sixth: while she has recorded Beethoven's B flat major concerto before, Argerich has never recorded Beethoven's C minor concerto before. Seventh: this is one of the deepest, most dramatic, most virtuosic, and most passionate performances of the C minor concerto ever recorded. Eighth: the Mahler Chamber Orchestra—no longer the newest European chamber orchestra—has grown into a brilliant and cohesive ensemble, an ensemble that follows Argerich and Abbado with precision and panache. Ninth: Deutsche Grammophon's live sound is absolutely immediate and unbelievably vivid. Tenth: this disc is surely one of the great classical recordings released in 2004.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1
Ludwig van Beethoven Composer Piano Concerto No.3 in C-, Op.37 Work Recorded 2004 35:42 Mahler Chamber Orchestra Orchestra, Claudio Abbado Conductor, Martha Argerich Piano
1	1.Allegro con brio	16:11			$2.99
2	2.Largo	10:21			$1.99
3	3.Rondo: Allegro	9:10			$1.49
Ludwig van Beethoven Composer Piano Concerto No.2 in Bb, Op.19 Work Recorded 2000 28:09 Mahler Chamber Orchestra Orchestra, Claudio Abbado Conductor, Martha Argerich Piano
4	1.Allegro con brio	13:18			$2.49
5	2.Adagio	8:49			$1.49
6	3.Rondo: Allegro molto	6:02			$0.99