Album

Pianists Martha Argerich and Nelson Freire are stupendous virtuosos, and there's nothing in this recording of their 2009 Salzburg recital of staggeringly difficult works they cannot play. They know each other so well as old duo piano partners that their playing is stunning in its unity, but their distinctive individuality also comes across. What's most impressive about this recital is how completely Argerich and Freire have made this music their own. Brahms' Haydn Variations sound freer and fresher, more playful, and more profound than ever. Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances are thrillingly rhapsodic, rapturous, and dramatic. Schubert's Grand Rondeau is more lyrical, intimate, and graceful than usual, and Ravel's La Valse more ecstatic and apocalyptically over-the-top frightening than in any comparable recordings, including Argerich's own earlier releases. Captured in wonderfully clear yet wholly present digital sound, the performances on this disc will be compulsory listening for anyone who loves music, any music.

© Jim Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1
Johannes Brahms Composer Variations on a Theme of Haydn in Bb, for 2 pianos ('St. Anthony Variations'), Op.56b Work 17:05 Nelson Freire Piano, Martha Argerich Piano
1	Theme: Chorale St. Antoni	2:01			$0.99
2	Variation 1: Andante con moto	1:01			$0.49
3	Variation 2: Vivace	0:57			$0.49
4	Variation 3: Con moto	1:45			$0.49
5	Variation 4: Andante	1:44			$0.49
6	Variation 5: Poco presto	0:52			$0.49
7	Variation 6: Vivace	1:15			$0.49
8	Variation 7: Grazioso	2:47			$0.99
9	Variation 8: Poco presto	0:49			$0.49
10	Finale: Andante	3:54			$0.99
Sergey Vasilyevich Rachmaninov Composer Symphonic Dances, Op.45...Symphonic Dances, Op.45 (arr. 2 pianos) Work 31:56 Nelson Freire Piano, Martha Argerich Piano
11	1.Non allegro in C-	11:16			$1.99
12	2.Andante con moto (Tempo di valse) in G-	8:11			$1.49
13	3.Lento assai in D-	12:29			$1.99
Franz Peter Schubert Composer Rondo, D.951, Op.107 ('Grand Rondo') Work Nelson Freire Piano, Martha Argerich Piano
14	Rondo, D.951, Op.107 ('Grand Rondo')	11:09			$1.99
Maurice Ravel Composer La valse (poème choréographique), for 2 pianos (after orchestral work) Work Nelson Freire Piano, Martha Argerich Piano
15	La valse (poème choréographique), for 2 pianos (after orchestral work)	12:08			$1.99