Martha Argerich, born in Buenos Aires in 1941, has been described by Gramophone as “unquestionably one of the greatest pianists of all time, her legendary pianism, liquid-fire virtuosity and imaginative vitality unique in the annals of piano playing”. Her relationship with Warner Classics and all its past and present labels has lasted more than 50 years, and began with the legendary 1965 Chopin recording.
Pianist magazine has written that: “Few other musicians spark such adoration among peers and juniors alike as does Martha Argerich.” Fellow Warner Classics pianist Stephen Kovacevich, who has been close to her for decades, says: “Her sound is wonderful. She has a gift and she must enjoy showing her gift – and that’s infectious.”
Argerich’s career has been unconventional and this adds to her charisma and mystique. Though her artistic range is wide, she has focused on a relatively small, though diverse repertoire. She gives only a limited number of performances a year and in the past was notorious for cancelling concerts at short notice if she felt she was not in peak form.
She is a generous mentor to young artists, notably through her former Progetto Martha Argerich at the Lugano Festival in Switzerland.
