“Most notable of them all is a performance of the First Ballade, from 1959, when Argerich was 18, full of youthful fire and astonishing technical brilliance, while an account of the C sharp minor Etude, Op 10 No 4 from 1967 is equally dazzling.” The Guardian, 18th March 2010 *****
“...imbued with a youthful energy, particularly the dazzling, industrious Etude in C sharp minor which seems to encompass entire worlds within two minutes...a bravura display of technique in the service of emotion.” The Independent, 9th April 2010 ****
“Of the playing here, I shall just say it's no wonder she won the Chopin Competition. Likewise in the three Mazurkas Op. 59...she captures their intimacy and lightning changes of mood to perfection....In the [concerto's] finale (for once truly agitato) she sweeps all before her with breathless exhilaration.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2010
“She was only 18 at the time, yet this belongs with other great interpretations for its mixture of poetry and virtuosity. At once shy and passionate, the performance is atmospheric in clean mono sound...Essential listening for anyone interested in Argerich, Chopin, or indeed the art of the piano.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2010 *****
1. Ballade No.1 In G Minor, Op.23
2. 12 Etudes, Op.10 - No. 4 In C Sharp Minor
3. Mazurka No.26 In C Sharp Minor Op.41 No.4
4. Mazurka No.27 In E Minor Op.41 No.1
5. Mazurka No.15 In C Op.24 No.2
6. Mazurka No.40 In F Minor Op.63 No.2
7. Mazurka No.23 In D Op.33 No.2
8. Nocturne No.4 In F, Op.15 No.1
9. Nocturne No.16 In E Flat, Op.55 No.2
10. Mazurka No.36 In A Minor Op.59 No.1
11. Mazurka No.37 In A Flat Op.59 No.2
12. Mazurka No.38 In F Sharp Minor Op.59 No.3
13. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58 (13-16)