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Chopin: Preludes; Piano Sonata No. 2 [Argentina] | ![Chopin: Preludes; Piano Sonata No. 2 [Argentina]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31FMXCRAPML._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Artists: Chopin, Argerich
Label: Dg Imports
Category: Music
List Price: $11.98
Buy New: $8.36
You Save: $3.62 (30%)
New (25) Used (3) from $8.36
Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 295880
Format: Import
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
UPC: 028946366325
EAN: 0028946366325
ASIN: B000060O5B
Release Date: August 12, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!
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| Tracks:
| • | 24 Preludes Op. 28 | | • | Prelude No. 25 Op. 45 | | • | Preludeno. 26 Op. Post | | • | Klaviersonate No. 2 Op. 35 |
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| Customer Reviews:
(+) Flawed, but Unequally Exciting October 9, 2008
C. Pontus Tholin (Asia)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Do you like your Chopin Preludes exciting and sizzling? Then, have no doubt who is your woman; Argerich's Preludes belong to her most impetuous and lively studio performances. You might wonder where she finds all the energy--and the answer is, at least in most instances, in Chopin's uniquely original and inspirational score. Having said that, there are indeed instances where her edge-of-the-seat energy gets the best of her, pushing aside such other central features as poetry, tonal beauty, articulation and relaxed calm.
The level of excitement Argerich's conjures up in the F-sharp minor, B-flat minor, F minor, E-flat major, G minor and D minor Preludes is peerless. The above-described downsides chiefly reveal themselves in the G major through blurry articulation (partly patched up by overpedaling), in the F-sharp major through relentless unwillingness to allow the gorgeous sonorities to resonate, in the D-flat major through rushing the raindrops into near-flooding proportions (again using excess pedaling), in the B-flat minor through almost pushing it over the edge, in the E-flat major through losing the poetic pliability, and in the B-flat major Prelude through creating unsolicited aggressiveness.
Despite the flaws, I certainly wouldn't want to be without Argerich's blistering Chopin Preludes. This is the coupling to have, i.e. with a reference Second Sonata; this revolutionary work is perhaps better suited to Argerich's nail-biting pianism than any other in the Chopin oeuvre. The first two movements are virtually as exciting as they can be, still revealing some lovely tone production in the lyrical sections. The spooky Finale largely falls into the same category. The one spot is (again!) the pedaling of the Funeral March that very much messes up the firm processional quality. Alternatively, the coupling with an unusually swinging Barcarolle, a breakneck Second Scherzo, and a turbo-dancing Op 53 Polonaise is also highly desirable--as of now available at a slightly lower price (Chopin: 26 Preludes; Polonaises, etc.). Nonetheless, to get the complete range of Chopin's Preludes, free up shelf space for Ohlsson (Garrick Ohlsson: The Complete Chopin Piano Works Vol. 2 - Preludes) and Pogorelich (Chopin: Preludes, Op.28).
 A restless, agitated way with Chopin September 18, 2007
Santa Fe listener
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
When it comes to the 24 Preludes Op. 28, I think the Gramophone reviewer hits the nail on the head when he writes, "Argerich is so mercurial and restless that she seldom allows the listener to relax into Chopin's poetry." Those for whom she can do no wrong will not mind, no doubt, but this set of Preludes is almost a single wash of whirlwind fingerwork without regard for poise, insight, and tenderness. A comparison with Pollini's magnificent account, also on DG, shows the difference. Where he plays each prelude as a single isolated gem, rgerich strings them together into a homogeneous sequence that makes only one impession, amazement at her technical display.
I used to think that her account of the Piano Sonata #2 was too hectic and tough-minded, but Argerich's impulsive style has grown on me. Now I get a little dizzy with all her rhythmic fiddling about, yet on the whole I can hear th great musician that was finding her way. Againshe lacks the magic of Pollini, but who doesn't? This was the more satisfying part of the recital for me, definitely worth four stars or more.
 Passion ! January 14, 2007
Renato Minamisava (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
2 out of 5 found this review helpful
Well, Argerich is a legendary pianist and this CD show us why: technique and passion. The preludes are fantastic: I couldn't breathe. Her version of Op.35 is not my first choice (Have you already listened Askhenazy?) but this is personal. Recording 1975/1977.
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