Description:

The two pieces appearing here are live from 2019, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Ravel's Piano Concerto. Argerich has already made about five different recordings of both works, but it never ceases to amaze me how fresh they still sound today, with their push and pull expressed through tone rather than sound pressure, and their lush and emotional expression with a brilliant touch. Rahav Shani, who will perform with the orchestra, is one of the most sought-after conductors in the world today, having been appointed Principal Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in 2018, Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2021 season, and Principal Conductor of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra in 2026, taking over from the dismissed Gergiev. He is one of the most sought-after conductors in the world today. And the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, surprisingly, is performing with Argerich for the first time on a CD. Their propulsive support firmly backs up Argerich's piano, creating a wonderful record of lively music. The cheers recorded after Ravel are also enthusiastic. (C)RS