Artist: Martha Argerich Title: Chopin: Preludes, Piano Sonata 2 Year Of Release: 2002 Label: Deutsche Grammophon Genre: Classical Quality: 24bit-192kHz FLAC (tracks) Total Time: 61:11 Total Size: 1.94 GB

Tracklist:

24 Préludes, Op. 28 01. 1. In C Major (0:32) 02. 2. In A Minor (2:10) 03. 3. In G Major (0:51) 04. 4. In E Minor (1:52) 05. 5. In D Major (0:30) 06. 6. In B Minor (1:47) 07. 7. In A Major (0:44) 08. 8. In F Sharp Minor (1:29) 09. 9. In E Major (1:31) 10. 10. In C Sharp Minor (0:24) 11. 11. In B Major (0:33) 12. 12. In G Sharp Minor (0:58) 13. 13. In F Sharp Major (2:44) 14. 14. In E Flat Minor (0:29) 15. 15. In D Flat Major (4:51) 16. 16. In B Flat Minor (1:00) 17. 17. In A Flat Major (2:49) 18. 18. In F Minor (0:48) 19. 19. In E Flat Major (1:04) 20. 20. In C Minor (1:32) 21. 21. In B Flat Major (1:34) 22. 22. In G Minor (0:34) 23. 23. In F Major (0:43) 24. 24. In D Minor (2:18)

Prélude No. 25 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 45 25. Sostenuto (4:06)

Prélude No. 26 In A Flat, Op. posth. 26. Presto con leggierezza (0:45)

Piano Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35 27. 1. Grave - Doppio movimento (6:41) 28. 2. Scherzo - Più lento - Tempo I (6:05) 29. 3. Marche funèbre (8:35) 30. 4. Finale (1:27)

This classic 1977 release features a stunning interpretation of Chopin's Préludes by pianist Martha Argerich, still considered a reference recording of the set by many critics. The programme also an equally impressive Piano Sonata No. 2, recorded in 1975.

"… (her) way with the 24 Préludes achieves a storm of contradictions. Mood follows mood, flashing and alternating like the play of the elements themselves … her overall response could hardly be more vivid."

• Gramophone

"At her most explosive in 1975, Argerich conveys the originality of the Sonata to perfection. Yes, she may play fast and loose with some of the composer's instructions, but when it's done with such conviction it seems entirely apt."

• BBC Music Magazine

"Recording of the Month … I cannot imagine that anyone would quibble at the application of the term 'legendary' in this case … (on the Préludes) the tigress of the keyboard laid down one of her finest Chopin performances … for many this is the finest Chopin prélude set ever recorded … Argerich’s rendering of (the Second Sonata), an impossibly smooth sounding combination of speed and virtuosity with restrained dynamic, I find unrivalled … the whole work has an overall power that is uniquely Argerich. A great Chopin disc."

• MusicWeb International