Martha Argerich - Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1, The Nutcracker Suite (1995)

Some artists grow into a sort of proprietary relationship with certain pieces of music. If anyone today owns this concerto, it's Martha Argerich. She's recorded it three times, and this latest version seems to sum up an entire lifetime of living with and loving the music. Not only does Argerich simply find more in the notes than almost anyone else, she also does it with a sense of complete spontaneity and naturalness. She's also the most exciting pianist alive, which certainly doesn't hurt in such dazzling music. Claudio Abbado is one of her regular concerto accompanists, and he knows better than to try to take over an Argerich performance. This is her show, and he gives her the kind of support she needs to feel free to work her interpretive magic. – David Hurwitz

1) Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
with Martha Argerich
Conducted by Claudio Abbado

2) Nutcracker, suite from the ballet, Op. 71a
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
with Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou

1. Peter Tchaikowsky - Concerto For Piano No.1 - I. Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Allegro Con Spirito (19:12)
2. Peter Tchaikowsky - II. Andantino Semplice - Prestissimo - Tempi I (6:30)
3. Peter Tchaikowsky - III. Allegro Con Fuoco (6:28)
4. Peter Tchaikowsky - The Nutcracker Op.71a - I. Ouverture Miniature - Allegro Giusto (3:04)
5. Peter Tchaikowsky - II. Danses Caracteristiques - A. Marche - Tempo Di Marcia Viva (2:16)
6. Peter Tchaikowsky - B. Danse De La Fee Dragee - Andante Non Troppo (2:01)
7. Peter Tchaikowsky - C. Danse Russe Trepak - Molto Vivace (1:03)
8. Peter Tchaikowsky - D. Danse Arabe - Allegretto (3:04)
9. Peter Tchaikowsky - E. Danse Chinoise - Allegro Moderato (0:57)
10. Peter Tchaikowsky - F. Danse Des Marlitons - Moderato Assai (2:09)
11. Peter Tchaikowsky - III. Valse De Fleurs - Tempo Di Valse (6:20)