Martha Argerich - Nocturne in F major Op. 15 No. 1

[andrew190495]

This is perhaps my favourite interpretation of this piece. She plays the opening section much faster than any other pianist I've heard, but in a good way. She doesn't play it so fast that it sounds retarded, but she doesn't let it hang around too much like most pianists do. I also love how she uses the pedal to gather sound to create a storm-like effect in the middle section, and I love the fact that she bridges the gap between the calmess of the opening and the anxiety of the middle section.

[RH98]

@andrew190495 I agree. I think the extra speed makes the beginning sound light and carefree.

[RH98]

I couldn't possibly disagree with freedom of speech. But at times I cannot help myself wanting to "silence" all those who have nothing worth saying, yet burden us with their stupidity anyway. To the "gentleman" who so helpfully pointed it out: yes Martha is an old woman now (your powers of observation are remarkable). Happens to all of us one day... like Martha some will continue to burn brightly; whilst others just fade away. I wonder what kind you will be?

[musicandminastirith]

it's like a lullaby...

[Kaggypants]

I still have yet to find an interpretation that can match Argerich's. I was a little disappointed with Ms. Lisitsa's interpretation because, while she plays the middle section fast, she doesn't have the power: the bass that Argerich does.

[onlinelondon]

Can anybody tell me the name of the piece that goes in very deep tones and possible F Minor; very slow beat also

I just cant remember what it is

Thanks

ed

[RainbowKK7]

@onlinelondon It might be op. 55, No.1

[onlinelondon]

@RainbowKK7

Thank you

ed

[hangtenjo]

The beginning is too fast... Still an incredibly beautiful piece though. It just sounds rushed at times.

[JanisRaderPiano]

Magnificent interpretation! Love the photo display - thanks for posting.

[Selendomono]

I must admit Im not a HUGE fan of Argerich because she seems to play everything really fast... and sometime it isnt effective.

[Kaggypants]

I prefer Argerich's interpretation over all others. She is known for being a little too 'lively' with some of the pieces that she plays but it works particularly well here.

[sissichopin91]

the agitato part has a power of immens drama! This nocturne is amazing!

[animeghibli]

Who the heck is that lady?  that middle part sounded overwhelming

[PowerliftingWSM]

If you wish to hear the proper tempo and a more feeling performance: Livia Rev does a much better job. IMHO and everybody is entitled to their opinion. To me, this performance sounds chaotic at times and perfunctory at others; its one strong point is the melodic line in the middle section is enunciated quite well.

[Snufkin999]

@PowerliftingWSM Like you say, taste is each to his own, but I can't help but to think that many people try to discern and understand music, instead of relating to them. Your comment about melodic line is sad for me to hear if that's the only part you recognized as pleasing. There's a bigger universe in this performance to appreciate IMO. And it's got nothing to do with academic proper tempo and expression and melodic line, but just making the music breathe and letting the emotion come alive.

[PowerliftingWSM]

@Snufkin999 Yes, I agree with you. Music is much more than description of the mechanics of it. Its only real value is in the way it makes people feel... at least for me. But I thought I'd just mention some things that made me prefer another performance over this... mostly. Really this performance was not bad in any way.

[3screamingkids]

I don't understand why this is played so fast. The beauty of the piece is greatly overlooked by so many pianists.

The middle section for me doesn't need to be so overbearing as many play it that way like a storm that destroys everything is it's path, and then is gone just like that.

[phazt]

@3screamingkids I agree with this. The beginning section has no lyricism. The melody sounds as if she is quickly reviewing a grocery list.

[davidbaker03]

@3screamingkids Why? She plays it very well. Thank god for people who have different idea's, and do them well. She plays is very stormy and wonderful, who cares if someone could play it differently? As long as its done well.

[fallenangel3652]

I absolutely love her middle section..(lol) seriously... idk the tempo marking for the outer sections but it sounds more like allegretto and less like andantino.. beautiful playing nonetheless

[JasonTchavarria]

@fallenangel3652 I totally agree with you, it's more like a cantabile, anyways, I like the agitato part ;)

[adrenalinerush45]

the only thing i don't like is the speeded up beginning. For some reason she seems to wind down at the end, is it just me or.. well it was still really good

[cmonclair27]

Although different styles, both Argerich and Pires would seem to agree in playing the outer sections in a delicate,almost fragile manner. I like a bit more how Pires transitions from the middle section to the recapitulation. Both great performances nonetheless, and available on youtube to compare.

[UWSResident]

This is Argerich at her best, playing exquisitely. The flowing tempo which she adopts for the outer sections works supremely well, allowing the expression to unfold effortlessly, and reminding one of Field's influence on Chopin. The middle section, Con Fuoco, is superbly judged and has all the fire one could wish for without any exaggerated virtuosity. I cannot praise this too highly!

[youvebeensmoked]

Hmm... convincing argument. Not my initial impression, but your comment is duly noted. I hear the tempo taken in the A section differently now. Thanks!

[cmonclair27]

Martha...Her touch can be so delicate and fragile at times or so furious at others. Her Des Abends, and Moza Donosa are good examples. For a real treat listen to her intrerpretation of Chopin's beautiful op. 45 prelude(it kind of anticipates musical impressionism).

[callenishss]

youre wrong.

shes beautiful

[supercatz88]

I'm learning this...it's difficult

[gozhn]

She's playing this like she has something to prove.

[cholapat]

0:57 with Ivan Davis

[flic71]

...come si fa a non amarla?...

[koliatima]

J'aime l'écouter!

Belles photos de Martha.

Merci pour la vidéo.

[DayBergs]

I favored this just for the picture of her at 2:50. I can look at that picture for hours.

[frederickfrederikfre]

Che bella che era

[EternalSickness]

Holy shit that's fast. I'm not even close to that speed atm... : (

[munkybrain]

Does anyone know Tamas Vasary's recording of the entire nocturnes? they're brilliant

[fikdulia]

I agree with #biribinghino. Don´t write such nasty comments. Martha is a really a spectacular musician. It is so nice that the world has such a phenomenon of a pianist.

[biribinghino]

Why are you so nasty? She is a wonderful musician, even though her interpretation could not convince everybody, like it is natural to happen!I don't understand those comments based on the person and not on the artist...

[libetta]

@biribinghino

sure, she's fast in the middle section, however i can't help but find her to always lack sensitivity. Cecile Licad is a whole lot better than her

[yourforte]

This performance is stunning

[argerich68]

Wonderful photos and magic performance . I love MARTHA. Thanks and best regards by Annarita Santagada

[callenishss]

youre wrong. shes beautiful

[Ellinidara]

wowowow fantastic Martha,whith his magik sound!

Thanks for posting with her foto!