Martha Argerich (piano), Sergei Nakariarov (trumpet), Renaud Capucon (violin), Mischa Maisky (cello), Lilya Zilberstein (piano), Alissa Margulis (violin) & Lyda Chen (viola)
Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, Alexander Verdernikov
“Here's an excellent, multi-faceted programme which reflects both Shostakovich's madcap humour and his more "private", expressive side. A truly charismatic and exhilarating experience.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2008
“This excellent disc, consisting of live performances from the 'Progetto Martha Aregerich' at the 2006 Lugano Festival, has a spontaneity and sheer pleasure in music-making one doesn’t often hear in Shostakovich.” BBC Music Magazine, November 2007 *****
“Recorded at the 2006 Lugano Festival, Argerich's virtuosity is breathtaking. There's also a vivid, dramatic performance of the Piano Quintet.” Gramophone Magazine, November 2008
“Argerich's 1994 reading of the Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings is already a benchmark version among modern recordings… But now there is a more natural flow in the slow movement, some previously slightly forces rubato are smoother… So if anything Argerich's playing has the tiniest of edges even over her former self. More decisively, Sergei Nakariakov brings an extra dash of wit and soloistic presence to the trumpet part... the Piano Quintet also emerges as I have always dreamt of hearing it - vivid from moment to moment, yet with a long musical line and dramatic overall conception.” Gramophone Magazine, November 2007
“Martha Argerich's summers at the Lugano Festival are reaping a rich harvest of live recordings for admirers of this supreme pianist. … This is live music-making of the most exhilarating order, benefiting from the intimacy of the setting as much as the skills of these peerless musicians” The Guardian
CD Review
BBC Music Magazine Awards 2008
