Martha Argerich - Evening Talks

Some of it is well worth seeing but some of it is really annoying.There are some people sometimes in the frame while Martha Argerich is being interviewed and we never find out who they are.And then they are making faces into the camera which has nothing to do with Argerich herself.What was this film-maker thinking.

Guchot's documentary is about Martha Argerich's oneness with the music she plays. We knew it existed already from hearing her performances. Here she articulates it in ways that are candid, joyful, earthy, and most eloquent in her charming manner. She is never pedantic. These conversations reveal the deeply personal and dynamic relationship with her art and the composers who make it happen. Only such humility and integrity, and perhaps a fundamentally iron will, can make her transcendental technique soar in interpretations which have been prodigious and unsurpassed in my concert-going life. Perhaps film gives us a glimpse about a way of being one wish one could achieve. Most tellingly, it is not about the applause, which seems immaterial and irrelevant when dealing with an artist of this caliber (indeed, it is more a release for the audience than a nutrient for a performer in this class..... though they all probably love it). The joy is in the playing. It is all about living the music.This is a unique dvd. Not quite an interview, rather she talks about her music, playing with others, the personal way she has of relating to the composers she performs...... when performing Lizst and Chopin in the same evening she must make sure to play them equally as true to themselves so one won't be jealous of the other. I truly understand her respect and love for Schumann as I totally identify with it. In her casual conversation, these ideas make music a living thing and one gets a glimpse of Argerich's total dedication to her art. This is indeed Martha Argerich conversing about how and why she is a pianist and one gets the information not from a script but from seemingly extemporaneous comments, from body language, indeed from aptly inserted performance footage, including youngster Argerich. Very little biographical information is included, only what surfaces in context of discussions of her music making. This is fine, perhaps even welcomed. The only regret I have is that the documentary goes by too quickly. We are getting glimpses of this dear and revered lady's musical soul and one wants to hold on.There are some wonderful performances attached as bonus. Particularly beautiful and exciting are her encores from a concert in Switzerland (Scarlatti, Chopin, Bach), and the 2 piano version of Lutoslawski Paganini Variations performed by Argerich and the wonderful Mauricio Vallina.Interspersed at convenient intervals throughout the film, there are scenes of Buenos Aires and the Argentine country side that without taking the narrative anywhere, nonetheless add dimension to the discussion. Conversation seemlessly flows back and forth from mostly French, to English with some German and a little Spanish thrown in. The film is well subtitled.Argerich as an artist has always brought me great pleasure and solace. She has nurtured up-and-coming talent like no other. There is no pianist like her and I feel lucky to have been living in her time. One is always waiting for the opportunity to say "Thank you," so let this, even if far removed, be one such.Strongly recommended, indispensible for all lovers of music for the piano.

If you are a Martha Argerich fan like me, you'll likely greatly enjoy this video. Ms. Argerich has been said to be reclusive, impulsive, often haunted by stage fright, and generally shy of the limelight. Coupled with her impassioned, outside-the-envelope playing, Martha engenders enduring admiration and curiosity among her fans. In this approximately 70 minute video, Martha indulges us with a glimpse of her artistic traits, passions, and motivations.The video includes a number of performance excerpts from throughout her career; and particularly, Ms. Argerich describes her special reverence for a favorite teacher from her teenage years, the late Friedrich Gulda. She also describes how she learned the Prokofiev 3rd piano concerto, subliminally.For anyone who would enjoy seeing and hearing this artist's personal insight into her life as an esteemed pianist and as a hair-raising musical genius, buy this video.

In a 2001 article in The New Yorker critic Alex Ross summed up Martha Argerich as a creative spirit: "Argerich brings to bear qualities that are seldom contained in one person: she is a pianist of brain-teasing technical agility; she is a charismatic woman with an enigmatic reputation; she is an unaffected interpreter whose native language is music. This last may be the quality that sets her apart. A lot of pianists play huge double octaves; a lot of pianists photograph well. But few have the unerring naturalness of phrasing that allows them to embody the music rather than interpret it."A former child prodigy and teenage wonder, Martha Argerich, now in her late sixties, does not seek fame or fortune, but rather to mentor younger musicians. Evening Talks presents her as a creative spirit who is uninterested in creating a legend but is able to talk freely about her interests and fears. She is the genuine article.

I knew very little about this great genius until I saw this video. My belief is that her total dedication to her music and to her instrument have cost her in other ares of her life. There are millions of fans throughout the world who truly love you, Martha, for the gifts you give us.

Wonderful video about a wonderful artist. A perfect balance between intimate conversation and very well chosen music video archives.Beautifully filmed.

I did, of course, know of Martha Argerich. I have a copy of her debut recording, when she was a teenager of growing international renown. This movie goes back and forth in her career, beginning in medias res, working with a young violinist. The film contains clips of her earlier performances, interspersed with her "evening talks" with associates and the film maker. Her perspectives on her career, her professional relationships, and her relationships with music/composers is beyond enlightening. It is amazing to watch her work. This film will repay both your purchase and your study.

I bought this for my son (who plays classical piano) and he's is a huge fan of Ms. Argerich. As soon as he got it, he put it in the DVD player and made the family watch it! He said it was really interesting!

A look into the life and personality of Martha Argerich. She speaks to camera, jokes a little. You get to hear her play. What more could you want?If you are interested to know more about this amazing talent, look for a DVD called Bloody Daughter, a documentary by Martha's daughter, Stephanie Argerich.

It is quite interesting to know more about Martha Argerich's background, her teachers, her personal growth as a pianist, what she likes, what she dislikes and how she feels when she plays different musicians' pieces. If you are interested in Martha Argerich, it won't disappoint you.

Beautiful piano playing, did not know of her before this purchase but have since bought other items of her. Recommended

Informative and interesting

A fascinating and rare interview of one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. This film is sometimes aired on tv but amputed of 15 minutes to fit the tv format. Here it is in its complete form and with a 30 min. bonus. For many years director Gachot asked for an interview, and finally, one night, she talks and hesitates in 5 languages. Born with an out of this world virtuosity, she makes music not to show off but for the pleasure of making music and always with others (a fellow artist or a full orchestra. This is pure enchantment. She speaks about her life and some composers. Many photos and concert excerpts. Argerich, ex-wife of Stephen Kovacevich and Charles Dutoit and mother of three daughters reached 70 years old in 2011. See her jump in a Cappricio from Bach's Partita no 2 as en encore. There is almost no interruption between playing and living.