Martha Argerich: Legendary Pianist
At over 80 years old, Martha Argerich is well into her senior years, yet her legendary piano playing remains as vibrant and dynamic as ever. Who is Martha Argerich? And what makes her so special?
Table of Contents
Do you want to know when Martha Argerich will be performing in the Netherlands? Scroll down to view the concert schedule.
- What makes Martha Argerich so special?
- What is it like to play with Martha Argerich?
- What others say about Martha Argerich
- Rave reviews and reactions
What Makes Martha Argerich So Special?
Our chief conductor, Lahav Shani, explains: “Today, there are an incredible number of brilliant pianists worldwide, technically speaking. If you compare it to a hundred years ago, it’s like looking at a different planet. For example, what Rachmaninoff could do as a pianist was almost supernatural in his time; nowadays, hundreds of pianists have his skill. But that doesn’t necessarily make them great musicians. What makes a musician truly interesting is not technique, but personality. And that is precisely something you cannot learn. You either have it, or you don’t.
One of the strongest musical personalities I know is Martha Argerich. People often praise her technical skill, which is indeed astounding. But in the end, that skill only serves to bring out her musical personality. Martha has a voice of her own; she always has something fascinating to say, and she does so in an entirely fresh, spontaneous, and crystal-clear way. It seems as though she knows no barriers—she can play anything exactly as it comes to her. When she makes music, playing the piano seems like the easiest thing in the world.”
Een jonge Martha Argerich speelt virtuoos
What Is It Like to Play with Martha Argerich?
“Martha Argerich is one of my heroes,” says Alex Elia, the orchestra’s principal trumpeter. “I played with her once before, when I had just joined the orchestra. The program featured Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto. I had been looking forward to it with great anticipation, but I wasn’t prepared for the shock that ran through me when she stepped onto the stage. She is a living legend. Legends are also created—by us. But Martha Argerich is truly a fantastic musician. Everything I’ve ever heard from her is extraordinary. Everything! To be able to play solo with her is a humbling experience.”
Lahav Shani recalls the first time he played with her:
“When I was very young, I already listened to her performances. Later, when I first attempted Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto as a pianist, her recording was my reference. Five years ago, we made music together for the first time. That was here in Rotterdam, when I conducted that same Prokofiev concerto with her as the soloist. In one sense, it felt very familiar, because I had known her playing style since childhood. But it was also challenging, because Martha is so impulsive. Every musical idea of hers requires an instant reaction from the orchestra. That’s not easy for a conductor. You don’t want to feel like you’re in a telephone exchange, trying to connect a long-distance call with a significant delay. I couldn’t have done it with just any orchestra, but with the Rotterdam Philharmonic, it went fantastically well. We had to stay constantly alert—but I love that, and so does the orchestra.”
What Others Say About Martha Argerich
Renowned YouTuber and musician Rick Beato published a video about Martha Argerich titled: “Martha Argerich: 80 Year Old SUPER VIRTUOSO!! How Is This Even Possible?” With growing amazement, he watches footage of Martha and then explains why he finds what this living piano legend does so extraordinary.
Reviews and Reactions
“From the moment she bursts into mechanical, sparkling finger exercises, Argerich reveals herself as a force of nature.” – Volkskrant
“The mix of poetry and power in her hands was […] still beyond competition.” – Trouw
“Argerich simply is the music she plays. Music is her mother tongue—words come only after that.” – De Nieuwe Muze
“Argerich is unique. Perfect and human.”
“It was extraordinary, fantastic—Martha Argerich, generous and unforgettable.”
“Amazing to see Martha Argerich in Rotterdam again. She hasn’t lost any of her vitality.”
“I’m so glad I got to experience Martha live—what an incredible experience!”
