Dimitri Shostakovich - Piano Concerto No. 1; Concertino; Piano Quintet

Dimitri Shostakovich: 

Piano Concerto No. 1; Concertino; Piano Quintet

Martha Argerich;Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana;Alexander Verdernikov

Martha Argerich; Renaud Capuçon; Alissa Margulis; Lyda Chen; Mischa Maisky

Although EMI gives top billing to the vivacious Piano Concerto #1, that youthful riff must bow to the Piano Quintet, arguably the composer's single greatest chamber work along with the Piano Trio #2. It's powerful, richly melodic, and instantly grabs the listener's attention. Even someone who doesn't know the work will find Argerich and friends in top form, full of vitality and sympathy for the music. They dig in with the total commitment we've come to expect from Argerich's circle in live performance.

There hasn't been a truly outstanding version since Richter and the Borodin Qt.; one could go back to the mono era for the composer himself as pianist and the great Beethoven Qt. This new version meets that stratospheric standard -- it's astonishing how delicate and intelligent Argerich is in her handling of the mercurial piano line -- and in terms of recorded sound is the best version of all.

As for the piano concerto, Argerich's style is forceful and sinewy. Clearly she favors the piece -- she recorded it once before on DG -- and she makes a success of her large-scale, rather serious approach. Personally, I miss the wit and springy lightness that Salonen and Bronfman bring (on Sony). That CD is also filled up with the Piano Quintet, where Bronfman is joined by the Juilliard Qt. in a fine performance. But this star-studded ensemble from EMI sounds more potent, and even with his impeccable Russian credentials, Bronfman isn't as impetuous and dramatic as Argerich. In anya event, it's a plasure to welcome the latest in a strong line of readings over five decades.