Shostakovich: Concerto For Piano In C Minor Op. 35 – Martha Argerich

   in Piano International (May, 2018)
Martha Argerich seems to have an affection for Shostakovich’s concerto for piano, trumpet and strings: perhaps, in light of her penchant for chamber music, she enjoys sharing the stage with a second soloist. Her first recording of several dates from 1991 (DG); EuroArts’ Argerich box featured a notable performance. Here, recorded live in 2006, she presents a vibrant performance caught in full, present, immediate and resonant sound. The first movement is markedly playful (a miss at one point reminds us of the live provenance, and that Argerich is human). The Lento exudes peace, and Argerich’s right-hand lines speak volumes; unfortunately, the muted contributions of trumpeter Jakub Waszczeniuk are less eloquent. The …