Martha Argerich — Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, Verbier, 2014

Live capture of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, performed by Argentine pianist Martha Argerich at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland in 2014. Accompanied by the Verbier Festival Orchestra under Charles Dutoit, the virtuoso brings to one of the most famous pages in the repertoire a clarity and lightness that stand apart from purely showy readings. The instantly recognizable opening chords launch a concerto in three movements — Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso, Andantino semplice, Allegro con fuoco — which this filmed live concert renders with exemplary care in image and sound. As an encore, Argerich offers the first of Robert Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood, a suspended moment of grace. Released by DW Classical Music, this performance documents the long-standing rapport between Argerich and Dutoit and lets you encounter, in concert, one of the greatest living pianists. A reference for lovers of classical music and piano, where orchestral power and soloistic sensitivity strike a rare balance.