About

Argerich and Perlman’s programme comprises Bach (Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 4 in C minor, BWV 1017, whose lilting opening movement became the sublime ‘Erbarme dich’ from St Matthew Passion_, Brahms (Sonatensatz in C minor, Op. posth.) and Schumann (Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 and the Violin Sonata No 1 in A minor, Op 105).

“Working with Martha was a unique experience for me,” Itzhak Perlman has said. “Her brilliance and the colours she uses when she plays are recognisable as soon as you hear them: it’s her – nobody else sounds like that… I am so excited that we were actually able to record together again.” Martha Argerich is no less enthusiastic in her praise of her duo partner: “I feel so stimulated to play with Itzhak, it’s really a feast – fantastic! It’s a very special relationship, I am completely enchanted. it’s like having a conversation … You get inspired by what you hear at a particular moment. There is an interplay, a lot of things happen – it has spontaneity!” – Amazon Music

“From the start, Argerich’s piano playing is supremely alive, moving under Perlman’s muscular melody in ebbing, tugging waves. Perlman spins out the second movement into a single, seamless phrase; his tone is a bit crunchy in the agitated finale, but the exhilaration of a live performance is all there.” – The Guardian

“Argerich is on cracking form here, with her technique showing no signs of the ravages of time… Perlman remains a player of great accomplishment, and this album, though a bit short weight at 51 minutes, places before us once again two artists of such quality, any lover of chamber music should hear these recordings.” – Classic FM

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