Martha Argerich: 80 Year Old SUPER VIRTUOSO!! How Is This Even Possible?

[@200_cuentos]

Martha Argerich will be remembered in 200 years not only because of her recordings but because she will still be alive.

[@mihawkdrakule3869]

Plot twist: She has queen elizabeth cells

[@diallobanksmusic]

And playing Rach 3

[@manueladevilliers5301]

hahaha! i really hope so.

[@xavinaut]

Lol 😊😃 I hope so

[@Crazylrishguy]

And still performing haha

[@MrBitflipper]

Thanks for this inspiring piece, Rick. When I turned 50, I ran across an old videotape of me playing piano in my 20's. It was a little depressing, because I realized I could no longer play that fast. I just assumed everything slows down with every passing year. But in my 60's I joined a band after my wife died, as a way to combat depression. Now, with my 70th birthday fast approaching, I've never played faster or more precisely than I do today. Use it or lose it!

[@rizzleriz4457]

True words. Glad you're back and aceing it.

[@dsvelazquez]

What an inspiring comment. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@uscjd2004]

That is great to hear, because I just started learning at 43. Gonna be a steep climb. Cheers!

[@michaelbrito2978]

How weird, my life is exactly paralleling yours, only 10 years later, seriously!

[@mariki3]

Wow 😃

[@nwarseck]

Ivan Davis was my piano teacher and a good friend of Martha Argerich. One of his stories was he couldn't make a competition and asked if she wanted to go instead. The piece to be played was the Prokofiev Toccata Op. 11. He said she sight read through it 2 times, and the 3rd time played at tempo from memory. There are just some musicians on a completely different level than the rest, really the same as Einstein or Fourier.

[@NikkiStyxx1]

Amazing! I've heard similar stories. The conductor, Emmanuel Krivine said she could read any score through just once and know every note "in the fibre of her body". She played Mozart's concerto no.2 in D minor and Beethoven's first Piano concerto at the same recital... When she was 7!!!!! Friedrich Gulda called her "the complete artist" at 14. She is an example of what the human spirit and intellect can achieve. A true genius.

[@karlsarch]

Nice call out for Fourier!

[@seanrimada8571]

That is a very interesting life story! Thanks for sharing it

[@chaoznofx]

AMAZIRNG REAL VIRTUOSO

[@emgee1961]

I like you mentioning music, physics and mathematics in one go. (sorry mathematician)

[@l.w.paradis2108]

More than that -- she was cured, literally, of Stage 4 melanoma; she is a natural polyglot, without ever having had to study, and has lived much of her life speaking languages that are neither her first nor her second; she is one of the great beauties of her generation. She is the most remarkable person in the world.

[@Marfmellow88]

I watched her “bloody daughter” documentary and she is one incredibly fascinating and eccentric woman. Force of nature for sure…

[@allisonandrews4719]

If the word genius has any meaning, she is a genius.

[@silverdalesapphires2516]

And as Sir Charles Groves once remarked has "octave technique to die for"!

[@DrEdelMusic]

She is indeed a genius. Also, the medical definitions of drugs are rather loose right now, but v's don't cure, they are supposed to prevent though. I truly believe she cured herself with sheer determination. 🙏

[@pabloghio6577]

Ella es argentina

[@PADARM]

I had the enormous privilege of seeing her live at a concert 5 years ago. After the concert a group of people waited for her at the exit of the theater to see her leave. An assistant very politely asked us not to ask for autographs because she was very tired after the concert and of course we all understood. When she left, she walked out of the theater, she looked to all of us in the eye and greeted us with a big smile, no words were needed, her smile said it all. She carried a huge bouquet of flowers with her beautiful long hair and walked to her hotel - it was a couple of blocks away- alone with a couple of assistants. She has that aura of a living legend. It's a moment that I treasure forever.

[@geigenatelierbrusch469]

Martha Argerich visited the house of my parents when I was 6 or 7 years old. This must have been in the beginning og the 60ies. She had been looking for a place to practice during the days while she was rehearsing and performing a concerto with the local orchestra (Philharmonia Hungarica) to which we were connected. My parents had offered her their humble upright piano which she accepted gladly. When she came to us we all were stunned by her sheer beauty and the overwhelming force of her personality. We were of course fascinated by listening through the closed door to that exuberant playing. There had never been such devine music sounding in our living room before. I remember when she after some extensive practicing said goodby to us, took me in her heartfull manner, embracing me and kissing me on my chin. Many years later I often thought that this must have been for me the kiss of the muse itself. I had a fine life in music myself, but of course on a much smaller scale than the devine Martha Argerich.

[@OscarEDodier]

Wowww. So amazingly cool. Musica Regina!!!

[@JS-ln4ns]

She is a rare combination of the Apollonian principle of beauty, with the tumult and fire of the Dyonisian, which you can readily see and hear in her art. The other female artist I see this in is Vivien Leigh. It's exceedingly rare and quite memorable when you encounter it.

[@falldog9]

OMG!

[@afifahhamilton8843]

What a marvellous experience for you. A treasure in the chest of life.

[@lnl3237]

@@JS-ln4ns Yes! Yes! Yes! Vivien Leigh was just such a creature. So few videos of her performing on the stage, but her ethereal qualities were captured on film. Mesmerizing in "Waterloo Bridge." (Ashamed to say, I was unfamiliar with Ms. Argerich.)

[@robertbudnik3318]

Rick, I’m seventy and have never heard of this incredible artist. You have done a great service with this video to the world of music. Thank you!

[@mattm2651]

Same here. Tha ks Rick. Amazing

[@buzzsmith8146]

Me, either!

[@TheButterMinecart1]

Never heard of the most legendary pianist of the 20th century?

[@robfaber1036]

I am awestruck, goosebumps...thank you Rick for the turn-on, and all you do!

[@Groteskfull]

@@TheButterMinecart1 I know, crazy right? There are actually people in the world who don't know of something/someone that you do?!?!

[@SMPFJ]

I saw her play a week ago in Berlin with the cellist Mischa Maisky. She still plays like a young woman with all the skill and dexterity that youth allows and all the knowledge and wisdom that comes with age. A true master.

[@miamonmiller3967]

You're so very lucky. Mischa Maisky is still a wonderful musician (and not as old as Martha) but on recent youtube performances, one can hear an incremental loss of dexterity. I believe he's the only cellist to have studied with both Rostropovich and Piatigorsky.

[@julianscott4682]

Envy.

[@2k10clarky]

Mischa Maisky Bach Suite No. 1 is my go to, his prelude is a miracle to my ears@@miamonmiller3967

[@enkiitu]

Check this out: I’m Argentinian, am an opera singer, I live in Buenos Aires. Last year I was supposed to do this concert. Les Noces by Strawinsky. 4 singers, 4 pianos, choir and percussion. One of the pianist would have been Martha, I was about to sing with her... couldn’t believe it, and guess what...? Fucking pandemic. Of course it got cancelled. And I don’t think they’ll be reprogramming it since Martha’s schedule is pretty full as you can imagine. One of the biggest disappointments of my life. One of the many losses working wise of these past two years. But that opportunity won’t be coming back. At least I don’t think it will. Cheers, Rick. Great channel and thank you for speaking of her. Is a big source of pride over here.

[@lamecasuelas2]

Fuck the pandemic!

[@annwalsh1804]

❤️☹️, but it still may happen. Please keep us posted

[@vrixphillips]

aw that would've been incredible! [I love Les Noces

[@pablocarbajo5545]

Ojalá tengas la oportunidad nuevamente, y si no, habrá otras.

[@flacovitantonio]

Sabés cuál es la diferencia entre flor y Floresta ? Saludos de Argentina

[@danilokb]

My mom is 80 years old and still teaching piano. So glad for her.

[@vavabeatle]

I saw her live twice and had the chance to ask for an autograph afterwards. She asked for my name and smiled at me. It was the highlight of my life, honestly

[@i.ehrenfest349]

I really hope not

[@TheBereangirl]

I bet she remembers you.☺️♥️

[@tacitozetticci9308]

@@i.ehrenfest349 eh life isn't about highlights anyways right? The baseline is much more important than the peaks

[@user-jx3jp3gb4x]

Martha has been my favorite pianist almost all my life, and I am 68. I am so proud of you for making this video about her and her career.

[@llamallama6]

I saw her perform a couple of years ago, she was playing the Tchaikovsky concerto in B flat, (if you haven't seen it it opens with huge chords across the whole piano and is a very athletic pice to play) She seemed to have some difficulty walking and slowly made her way to the piano, but as soon as the orchestra started, she seemed to loose about 30 years, and came alive, and played the whole thing flawlessly. After the last chord, she stood and very slowly made her way to bow and leave the stage. When she walked she was in her late seventies, but when she played she was twenty something. I will never forget seeing her.

[@leeroger1471]

omg wow she is off the chain piano player

[@leeroger1471]

@@TexasFury you are exactly right classical music will always be way beyond (some) dumb rap songs.

[@ulfgj]

i heard tchaikovsky was there in the audience!

[@nancynewman6592]

I have seen that same thing with Dave Brubeck... difficult to walk to the piano, sat down, and also turned into a young man :) Inspiring as I get back into shape musically after CoVId and having a 70th birthday

[@kriss581]

I've run into her a couple times, last time two weeks ago with one of her daughter. I live in the same city and in the same quarter where she got an apartment. She seemed so old, very slow, very small, and dress with some very basic outfits. I asked her an autograph and she was still extremely life full in her talking and energetic. It still amazed me how she finds the way to balance the process of aging with this character, this energy and this intelligence we see so vividly in her performances. I deeply admire her

[@vargaso]

She's astounding. Her articulation and phrasing at incredibly high speeds is superhuman. She's the perfect combination of the highest possible level of technique and deep emotionality in playing. Genius.

[@pcm7315]

The piece from 1965 - her fingers seem to float above the keys - .

[@franksmith541]

Earl Wild played better than her when he was in his mid-80's. And if you want to compare current techniques, Marc-Andre Hamelin is THE supreme technician - he plays the most difficult music while showing minimal effort. Male pianists are generally better.

[@joaquinvargas3915]

@@franksmith541 What a reductive, unimaginative and boring way to look at music.

[@treybarefoot7040]

@@franksmith541 you seem like your soul must be in need of love

[@riccardocarbo2479]

Good insight. Agreed. Martha is impeccable and a phenomenon.

[@DLloydGray]

I'm pretty sure that this is Rick's way of telling us that we should all practice more.

[@Tacotac64]

But the problem is Martha Argerich never practiced a lot - well that’s what she says...

[@that_thing_I_do]

Or it's never too late.

[@modderkevin5124]

Lol wanna guess what I did after watching the video?

[@glfriendliness9793]

Nah, he just digs older chicks with hot licks.🤪🤣🤪

[@mattwatson7106]

The only reason she is still playing at 80+ is that she hasn't overdone the practice. Too much practice is not good, long term.

[@RobertoDAlessandro]

I "discovered" Martha almost a decade ago looking for executions of Bach. My teachers always said that Glenn Gould is the absolute master, and of course he was a genius, but when I heard Martha for the first time it was absolutely mind blowing. Not only the technique was unreal, but the depth and the nuances of EVERY note was mesmerizing. Hands down one of my favorite classical pianist ever, I'm so glad more people will get to know her after this video!

[@vivfaydonahue687]

A mother, a lady, a supremely-gifted creative soul - who interprets the classical piano masterworks... And seemingly WE have never even heard of her! Thank you thank you Rick B..... Also, Thank you for introducing us to Ted Gioia... After that interview I purchased his book "The Jazz Standards" which has become my favorite.

[@glasss1978]

Same here. I wish this video included some of her Bach performances. When I "assess" any keyboard player's skills ad musicianship, I check out videos of them playing Bach. You can't cheat with him, he exposes weaknesses like no one else and you need to bring so many things to the table for a great performance. I just watched her playing partita no. 2 at age 79 and I got totally underwhelmed by how perfect it was in every way (20 mins from memory, of course)

[@ONeirda]

Dear Mr. Beato The fact that you do a video about a classical musician convinces me even more that you truly are an expert regarding music of almost any kind. I very much appreciate your open mind. Thank you so much for your honest devotion to music in general.

[@tatoarg9508]

Argentinian here. If you ever have the chance of hearing her live, do it. It's more than amazing. She's a national treasure. We couldn't be more proud of her.

[@chaoznofx]

es nuetra ...

[@chaoznofx]

y para el mundo ..

[@zatoichiMiyamoto]

Pues muchas gracias. Saludos desde chile.

[@tatoarg9508]

@@zatoichiMiyamoto aguante Arrau

[@nanajockel]

Twice I travelled five hundred miles to Sydney, bought tickets and arrived at the Opera House finding she had canceled.... she’s never performed in Australia. The disappointments never dimmed my enthusiasm and love for her - she is eternal

[@donaldallen1771]

Rick -- your amazement at what she does and still does is rooted in a simple fact: Argerich is the rarest of musical and pianistic geniuses. I saw an interview where she stated very matter-of-factly that the Prokofiev 3rd Concerto was easy for her. She wasn't bragging; she was simply stating a fact. As someone who began piano lessons at 5, is now 78, studied with some well-known people, I can tell you that the Prokofiev 3rd is brutally difficult for us ordinary mortals. She is in a very small club that includes Sergei Rachmaninoff, Joseph Lhevinne, Josef Hofmann, and Vladimir Horowitz. That's why she can do the things that amaze you, though playing a half-hour or 45 minute concerto from memory is pretty routine for top professional pianists. Recall that Horowitz played the Rachmaninoff 3rd publicly for the last time when he was 75, from memory. Garrick Ohlsson has something like 60 concerti memorized and ready to go at a moment's notice. What is truly amazing about her is the quality of her playing -- the astonishing virtuosity, the sound, her big-picture sense (listen to her recording of the Liszt Sonata) and the sheer beauty of her playing.

[@fightingforfreedom5017]

I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. But even I can sense that this is a very rare talented woman.

[@MikeMayneMusic]

Well yeah, I mean...She just GETS IT

[@MrNicks-gn8jc]

Ohlsson....wow.....I did see him live a few years ago......he did the HARDEST PIANO CONCERTO EVER WRITTEN...the Busoni C-Maj.....and FOR ANYONE to do it is a feat of DIVINITY....YEAH, Gerrick is the MAN !!

[@AidanMmusic96]

@@MrNicks-gn8jc Isn't that Busoni concerto the one with choir? What a wacky piece that is.

[@MrNicks-gn8jc]

@@AidanMmusic96 THAT'S THE ONE!!

[@Rosannasfriend]

This is the kind of video everyone in the world needs to see. The way that young people are always the ones credited with being virtuoso, and everyone thinks that they're too late if they're older than that , it's cool to know that you can be an 80 year old virtuoso.

[@inanis9801]

But see was a virtuoso when she was young

[@madmanis12345]

Your comment reminds me of the meme on how in order to be a self made millionare you must first start out with millions of dollars

[@Thedarksnw]

Sure its no problem if you also have photographic memory and are able to reproduce music perfectly after a single hearing

[@jameslauren6084]

@@Thedarksnw you don’t have to be born with it. Most musicians after a certain point just need to find the root note and they can feel their way through the intervals. You can see it with intermediate guitarists quite easily because of how visual a tool like the Capo is, but it’s the same on every instrument. Once you know where to play, you know how to play.

[@blackletter2591]

Young people would call her "underrated", meaning their friends don't know her.

[@santinomeloso]

Hi Rick! An Argentinian here. Martha Argerich is a treasure, a cultural Icon and yet , here in my country she is forgotten ,almost denied. As a country, we only could be better if we start to understand and to appreciate how important Mrs. Argerich is for our culture and society. Thanks for spread her art Rick.

[@AntonNidhoggr]

Sadly but this is a standard situation with the classical music. I'm from Russia and we have a bunch of really good pianists here, but most people just don't know them since they don't watch concerts, and professional pianists are usually too busy or uninterested to participate in popular TV shows. I think it's a great video though. I see a couple of: "wow, didn't know about her" in comments means at least someone has discovered this beautiful artist thx to Rick :-)

[@trevorguy63]

Interestingly, I’m not sure to what extent she continued to connect with her Argentinian roots since she spends more of her time in Europe, speaks most often in French, etc... but yeah, I agree with you, she’s a treasure!

[@patriciofernandez2711]

Cómo que la olvidamos? Incluso la gente que no sabe nada de música clásica te puede decir quién es Martha Argerich, es como saber quién es Gardel aunque no escuches tango.

[@lwcyphr]

tan argentino (de un lado de la grieta) como la Argerich. Aprovechar que se habla de nuestro país para bardearlo "como argentino". A Marta en este país se la ama.

[@enkiitu]

She is ABSOLUTELY very well known in Argentina. I don’t know your area of expertise but she is the most famous actual musician alongside Barenboim.

[@VideoClubRandom]

As an Argentinian myself I can say that she is a national source of pride. That at the same time it is unfortunately underrated or not sufficiently known in our own country...

[@TheLablujan]

I´m from Argentina as well, and I wish I know music enough to appreciate her talent the way she deserves. But if she´s good enough for Rick to drop his jaw, it´s all proven.

[@agenoire3839]

Same here, i just found her because of rick, that says it all

[@cristianbellino8828]

Que se hacen los yankis xD

[@thesuncollective1475]

Well she's known now Thanks to Rick..mind-blowing She certainly does Argentina proud...pure inspiration

[@amadeojc]

Que pruebe con Luis Alberto Spinetta

[@pascalsolal]

What's impressive in Martha's playing is her energy, and the clarity of her sound, like cristal. She's always been one of my favorite.

[@pascalsolal]

@@StopFear I didn't refer to her age.

[@RaterisimoCBA]

As an Argentinian I feel so thankful that you're talking about Martha and her incredible career and persona. One of the greatest pianists and musicians that ever existed !

[@fabianingrassia3329]

tenias que ser de ese pais arrogante

[@Kamila-eb9pz]

And she knows 6 languages too

[@odalchiszaratutu6793]

@@alexisarismendi7424 only from he rmother side, her father was of hispanic descendent

[@AFE1312]

@muir Spanish father and ucranian mother. Therefore she is Spanish-Ukrainian 😂.

[@AFE1312]

@Max No.

[@russellinman3464]

This is a great example of why all bands need to support this channel. I had not, to this point heard of Martha I will never forget her. Going straight to Spotify to follow her and travel down the KZbin rabbit hole. Thank you brother for this gem!

[@adamsackfield589]

So it’s 10 months later. How did you enjoy Martha? Thoughts on Chopin?

[@adamsackfield589]

So it’s 10 months later. How did you enjoy Martha? Thoughts on Chopin?

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

This is the problem, one of the greatest, if not arguably the greatest pianist of all time, and most "music fans" (read: classic rock listeners) have not heard of her. How is this possible??

[@bayareapianist]

@@adamsackfield589 because as he said she hardly ever gave any concerts in USA and topical people in USA do not care much about European classical musics. They enjoy mostly jazz which is mostly cooked on the spot. She is very well known in Europe and of course Argentina and she cared to learn their languages.

[@mariapap8962]

​@@bayareapianistshe's known WORLDWIDE, not only in Europe and Argentina!

[@darkmatterenergyfull]

As Argentinian, this is so much significant for me. Marta is so underrated in our country, and she is ine of the best that ever play piano. Is such a shame. Thanks Rick for take some minutes and talk about her.

[@klaus.mp3]

hey argentinian here too! i don't think it's undervalued in our country, (as a concert pianist myself) i think it's more a matter of social strata and that it's not recognized because of a difference in the musical culture generated in argentina.

[@scutrera2]

Que haces acá? 😁

[@CLAYPOOLALAMENOSUNO]

@@klaus.mp3 I don't think she's underrated here. She just doesn't come so often, and if you want to see her play, it will cost you. Also, in this country, classical music is seen as a high class thing, sadly. I'd start a political rant regarding who like to go to the Colón Theatre to show off, but I guess I'd better shut up :D.

[@fedecan770]

She isn’t underrated. Classical music isn’t a popular genre and culture in general. She is in high regard in the academia and amongst enthusiasts

[@igodoypalmas]

Maaaaal.. somos varios argentos aca

[@jimmartin7917]

I don't know her personally but several good friends have played with her for decades. I know lots of her students and have never once heard anyone say anything negative about her. In the world if competitive classical music that's as rare as an 80 year-old playing Prokofiev.

[@dadadeede7713]

I met her several times through my father, who is a classical record label owner. She is very genuine and a great person! Love to watch her playing !

[@Ace-dv5ce]

That’s nice

[@bryancoryell8416]

As a classically trained pianist, Martha has long been one of my favorite pianists. Her technique is incredible, but it’s the combination of that with intense expression and musicianship that making her playing amazing! Thank you for this video celebrating a phenomenal musician.

[@charlesross9260]

An artist who only gets better with age. Amazing. Mr. Coryell are you related to the Edna May Coryell who studied under Theresa Carreno? I was one of her last students in the 60's. She was very old and a little forgetful but it was a real experience to hear her play. She knew many of the best of her era and could tell lots of interesting stories. I was 15 and really didn't appreciate her at the time but she's someone I'll always remember fondly. Thank you.

[@gilmacevers253]

The Russian School play with a certain fire and tone...Martha leaves it all in the Concert Hall. Amazing.

[@theoriginalthinkman5897]

Over 45 years ago (I'm now 76), I had the privilege of designing posters and an album cover for her - I was contracted by her manager, a friend, to do these. Back then I had no idea who she was - and that remained true until about 10 years ago. After becoming familiar with her and her brilliant performances, I look back and understand what an honor it was to have been even a small part of her enormous sphere!

[@corporateGuy89]

That's awesome! Which album was it?

[@editelh]

So you designed posters and album covers w/o studying the person you made them for…? 🙃 That’s design 101! I can’t imagine them being any good, much less portraying the essence of the subject, in this case Argerich. Unbelievable 🙄

[@ISEEKSPACE]

@@editelh I was gonna say the same. How could one design a poster, let alone an album cover for an artist and not listen to their work?? I mean, in a way I can understand, almost like that idea of not allowing your work to be interfered by someone else's, but wow...I mean lol...😅

[@lisaschuster686]

These people don’t get the role of visual appeal! What are up to these days, son?

[@Ermude10]

@@editelh Let's not be that quick to judge. There could be any number of reasons why they wouldn't know about the one they designed posters and album covers for really. We have no idea what constraints or context this was in.

[@itsjudystube7439]

My grandma was still playing beautifully from memory at 78. I miss her.

[@lisbethh.2735]

I heard her in a concert. She was 17 and chainsmoking, and breathtakingly beautiful. She is a genius. Truly from another world.

[@jakelabete7412]

My respect for you just shot up 100% because you know and respect Martha Argerich. She was 'the' pianist of the 2nd half of 20th century and an absolute legend. They do not make 'em like that anymore.

[@devidasa9637]

Bravo Rick for bringing awareness of Martha Argerich to a broader audience. I discovered her about 20 years ago and have been obsessed with her playing ever since.

[@henrigaziel2002]

Like she needs his help?

[@williamhakim4337]

As I am a classical musician, primarily, and love all types of music equally, I can't thank you enough for this video. ALL my classical music colleagues love pop and rock and jazz, and everything, but NOT all, in fact, few that I've met, other types of musicians love classical music. I think what you said about "playing all the way through" is right on, and that is one of classical musicians' strengths, playing recordings with minimal editing, and performing live with for the most part no synthesized sound, and not only being able to perform huge pieces from memory, but LISTENING to a piece that involves more than 4 min. of your time is an experience that is lost on most people today.

[@alexcrosstic5372]

So true, and so truly sad -- the emotional depth of "classical" music, not simply the technicality, is far beyond pop. Only great Jazz is stands out as a (very different but) comparably deep musical achievement.

[@deutekom2004]

Argerich achieved something that few pianists can match, making her a lasting figure in the musical world. Her remarkable musical phrasing, exceptional playing skills, and record-breaking victories in various piano competitions ensure her enduring legacy.

[@DavidDiMuzio]

So beautiful to watch this. The beauty of her playing gave me so much hope. Almost brought me to tears.

[@seanrimada8571]

Cry

[@jasonruffjr3107]

I wish I could cry 😢

[@Tuxedo2680]

It is Beethoven who said that music is a revelation deeper than religion or philosophy.

[@irishflutegirl9022]

Me too 😊❤️

[@redddbaron]

Did bring me to tears! Her fingers actually flow like water over the keys and such beautiful music!

[@ClaudineHickman]

Thank you for this!! As a classical pianist myself, she has always been awe-inspiring for me. She has always just been in the zone and on fire!! And to see your face and how you respond to her playing...it is so heart-warming and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your genuine love of great music and great musicians. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@KimOverholtArt]

There's a man in my neighbourhood. War hero Peter Jackson in his 90's...still sings "Till There was You" and serenades me when I see him. His voice is amazing! Gives me goosebumps...lol

[@drdellaman]

Classical soloists are an incredibly talented group. The amount of wildly intricate music they can play from memory is astounding.

[@lasercorn2399]

Okay, seriously... I have been perusing Rick's channel for some time and might have even made a comment or two. And I have to be honest, I have never heard of Martha Argerich before now. While I'm deeply entrenched in progressive metal, I keep at least one toe into the waters of jazz, ambient, Afro, chill/downtempo and classical. I'd like to believe that I'm more exposed to music than most. But Martha? A woman who speaks at least five languages (fluently, I might add) and plays with the same frenetic pace in her 80s as she did in her 20s while I can barely play Subdivisions at the age of 48? It's almost unfair. Thanks for sharing, Rick!

[@charliecampbell6851]

She’s a well-known concert pianist, but I was surprised she was still alive, honestly.

[@WalyB01]

GO find what she has played. I recommend here Scarlatti in Dminor is quite metal \m/ never mind Rick put it in!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Agreed!

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

@@charliecampbell6851 For me it's rather surprising that she is already 80. I have been following her carreer on and off and I would have assumed that she would be around 70. ;)

[@joaopedrojosinocidcamargo3010]

She speaks Portuguese too

[@rayjr62]

Rick, gives hope to a 58-year old hack like me that I might be able to play the guitar half way decent by the time I am 65. God bless her. Thanks for posting this gem.

[@UnexpectedAmy]

You can become amazing in that time!! Keep at it if you love it. At least 20 mins a day as often as you can. Have the time of your life! :D

[@diatonicdelirium1743]

Same here, although I have 6 years extra ;) My first stretch goal is "Mood for a day"

[@cartman9675]

53, and it makes me incredibly happy every day just to practice! Making great strides (IMO at least lol) on the piano, and starting, again, from scratch on the guitar until I feel like I can move on. Every day it's just one of the biggest joys of my life!

[@tdsims1963]

Just keep at it! I started cello as an adult at the age of 39. I am now 58. Goal piece: Bach Suite #6 (a lot of thumb position!). It will happen. Just like your goal piece. Best of luck! P.S--Stop calling yourself a hack. I know you're being modest but it is kind of a way of telling yourself that you'll never "get there".

[@NelsonStJames]

58 myself, and the first thought I had seeing her was, "damn, maybe it ain't too late after all."

[@boysothebog]

I'm not one for classical music, but Rick has that knack of bringing the beauty of any style of music to the unwashed masses and making it a compelling view... wonderful, thank you Rick...True edutainment genius

[@wolfgangamadeusmozart6457]

but it's never too late to get into classical music boysofthebog

[@terrialice6139]

Watched this last year and you hooked me one Martha. Not a day goes by that I do not have to have my dose of Martha. ThNk you!!!

[@iwoods1]

I first heard her play in Montreal about 30 yeas ago. My wife is a conservatory-trained pianist and thinks Martha is the ultimate. We're even planning our summer vacation around a Martha recital in Europe. She's a force of nature...

[@ralfludwig4744]

I always perceived Martha Argerich as the top of the top. She’s been sitting on that throne of the Olympus for so many decades and no one could push her away and still can. And every aficionado of classical piano music knows how thin the air is on that top. So this video here is highly appreciated, bravo Rick and let us all spend some time on June 05 to appreciate her unfathomable merits throughout her career.

[@timothyissler3815]

Rick Beato: the only man who can say "groove" when talking about classical music and get away with it.

[@RickBeato]

I couldn’t think of any other one when I was riffing on it haha!

[@audibletapehiss3764]

That word really needs to be a bigger part of the classical lexicon. I think people shy away from it because it has a certain mythology of being "loose" rather than precise, but in fact those are 2 equal aspects of groove. Honestly, they should get over it because there's not another word that opens up that conversation between teacher and student. They have feeling, but not feel.

[@bassmaiasa1312]

Groove is all I think of listening to Beethoven, Chopin, Brahams, Liszt. I don't have anything close to virtuoso technique so I play at a much slower tempo, The funk can get lost at the amazing prestissimo, at least to my ears. Chopin is insanely funky! The finale to the Scherzo #3 that Rick excerpted is monster funk!

[@bassmaiasa1312]

@@audibletapehiss3764 The Ukrainian Mykola Suk teaches his students: 'you can play on the beat, before the beat, or after the beat -- but never the same!" You can watch Lang Lang teaching right here on YT, he's all about teaching the swing. Whatever word they may use, the concept is absolutely part of classical piano. Most classical pianists I know have plenty of feeling and feel.

[@audibletapehiss3764]

@@bassmaiasa1312 that's great. I don't spend much time in the classical world anymore, so my experiences are probably outdated.

[@annabelmayo450]

Wonderful tribute to someone who has not had the level of world-wide recognition that she has definitely earned. Happy 80th Martha Argerich!

[@chzzyg2698]

This woman is incredible! How have I never heard of her? She's truly inspirational.

[@Featherlightstudio]

Unbelievable, just when I thought age was a viable excuse for diminishing abilities comes this amazing performer who blows that idea completely out of the water. She is an inspiration to all musicians everywhere.

[@tiffanylio]

It's even more incredible knowing that she always said that she never liked practicing! not only her playing but her personality is very very captivating

[@aiasibor1234]

Yo la vi tocar en vivo en el Teatro Colón en Argentina. No hay palabra que pueda describir semejante experiencia. No equivocó ni una nota. La velocidad es aterradora, la musicalidad y sutileza de otro planeta, la fuerza y precisión fuera de escala, la musicalidad que podría soñar tener cualquier músico, ella la tiene. La expresividad, los pianísimos, los trinos perfectos... No me hablen de pianistas chinos o koreanos o japoneses, todos tocan casi como ella, pero no llegan a transmitir, no logran tocar el alma de la música ni del oyente.

[@GaboRossini]

Soy argentino también y lo voy a decir en castellano: ¡Aguante Martha! La mejor pianista que existe. Sin lugar a dudas 🌿

[@jeanpaulbarbona7376]

Vaaaamo Marthaaa

[@ramonbs6075]

@@montauta Lo mismo pasa en el mundo y no creo que por eso esté mal el mundo.

[@tomyferrario9911]

Pero claro!

[@PlayTheGuitarra]

Gabo estoy seguro que Rick Beato no tiene idea de la historia de Martha Argerich con el General 🤣🤭🤭

[@GaboRossini]

@@PlayTheGuitarra No lo mencioné para no armar bardo. Pero todos deberían recordar que gracias a Perón, Martha pudo estudiar en Austria y ser reconocida internacionalmente. La misma Martha tiene la humildad de reconocerlo. Pero bueno... Rick no tiene porqué saberlo jaja

[@JoseLedesmaArg]

Being a 66 years old Argentine musician I feel both proud and encouraged to go on and on playing

[@CommodusSPQR]

I've known about Martha since the early 70's, and have many records of her. She is a profound artist of the highest order.

[@anasuarez738]

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This winter - July/August - I saw her at Teatro Colón in the Festival which is named after her. She played - concerts and chambers music - together with Nelson Goerner, Sergei Nakariakov and Charles Dutoit (her ex-husband). The Argerich Festival started in 2001. It was a privilege to see and enjoy her art at the age of 82 yo.

[@benabbottguitar]

I like it when Rick talks about the mastery of musicians regardless of age, instrument and genre. Learning about the discipline, techniques, etc. of a master is another way to improve as a musician even if it’s not the type of music you play.

[@moi01887]

Word! If I had a nickel for every time I've heard someone say a certain kind of music "sucks", I could retire. Musical skill is musical skill, regardless of whether the genre is one you care for or not.

[@Voartist]

Keeps her mentally and physically young, and even though her hands look somewhat arthritic, she can fly over those keys. Her face doesn't look 80. What a fantastic testament to staying active when you're old! Thanks for bringing her to my attention.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Music is a lifelong gift!

[@beatrizmezzadra2764]

Rick, you honour the great musician and academic in yourself by spreading the knowledge of great music and musicians like Martha Argerich in your channel. Really appreciate your openness and humility. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@skylark5789]

You are the ultimate educator, because you share what you love and what excites you. Thank you for this little gift of joy in the work of Argerich.

[@themincingninjapoofsawayli898]

The thing that strikes me most about her playing is just how efficient her movements are. She barely looks like she's moving, let alone working hard to play the way she does.

[@cheery-hex]

the flexibility and lightness of her hands while playing is unreal

[@fromulus]

It's that efficiency that minimizes strain and stress on those hands, making playing at 80 realistic.

[@Jason75913]

@@fromulus we best learn from her, then

[@leohale403]

Yea it's crazy. For example, if you look at her playing the D minor Scarlatti sonata, the way she does the repeated notes is like nothing I've ever seen from other pianists. Just about everything seems effortless to her

[@nikibronson133]

This!

[@chasmenear7130]

She is one of the most amazing musicians in history. Period.

[@louise_rose]

Agree, and at eighty she's as musically indestructible as Jon Anderson and Placido Domingo (also active and in completely remarkable vocal shape/range at the same age or next to it).

[@Kamila-eb9pz]

Do you think she can play Rush B?

[@chasmenear7130]

@@Kamila-eb9pz Huh?! To cut to a chase- This woman could play ANYTHING.

[@carlosbartnickitort6557]

When she was young, she was already an alien. And she is still from another planet. I love when you talk about “classical” music and musicians. That world can be even more crazy then rock and roll.

[@Appleita]

Martha is amazing. She is a true treasure. I'm sorry I didn't find out about her until about two weeks ago. At first I didn't listen to her videos. I thought that she was probably "much ado about nothing." But I watched one of her videos...Prokofiev's 3rd Concerto...and I was hooked. Now, I can't get enough of her. Bless her heart, she and I are almost the same age...I'm a tad (ahem) older. But I most certainly and definitely look up to her and respect her and envy her 'muscle memory" as Yuja calls it. You go, Martha, girl!!

[@RoamFree1866]

I am embarrassed to confess I had not heard of Martha Argerich before. Thank you for introducing her to me in this short video; you have helped lit a spark of love at first sight with it. I will now be digging around to listen and learn more about this wonderful gift from God to us.

[@reallynotpc]

You have missed a lot, but it isn't too late to catch up.

[@professor_thunder]

If you haven't heard Yuja Wang put her on your list.

[@burmesecolourneedles4680]

Absolutely, one of the greatest musicians of all time. Not only still playing so accurately, intelligently and emotionally, as she always has, but her playing is still so impossibly physical! Mind boggling. Wonderful to see this great tribute, richly deserved. Thanks Rick.

[@kalieris]

The physicality of it struck me too. She doesn’t have delicate spider fingers - her hands look powerful and she attacks the keyboard, but with absolute precision. I’m 50, and my wrists hurt just watching her.

[@victoriabriscoe8460]

Believed by many to be the greatest pianist of all time. Listening to her for a while with her clarity, precision, and speed..... you come to agree.

[@オールマイト-y1f]

It's just a fact that she is.

[@jameseastwood3847]

Martha is unequivocally (or what today we call the Goat, the greatest of all time. Yup. She is.

[@FeonaLeeJones]

I met Martha Argerich at SF Symphony years ago....She was smoking a cigarette in the green room. There was definitely a queen energy to her. She has experienced a lot and is highly intelligent. One of the most influential pianists that has opened my eyes and ears to. My favorite recording is her with Charles Dutoit playing the Rachmaninoff 3rd Piano Concerto. I listened to it on repeat when I was learning that piece many years ago. I hope she lives a very long life i.e. Elliot Carter-long. If you want to learn more about her personal life, I recommend watching "Bloody Daughter" which was a documentary made by one of her daughters and goes into the details of her life and all the struggles she has endured.

[@Matthew.E.Kelly.]

That Rach 3rd recording is *beast* for sure, I feel like people don't understand just how important Argerich is to modern music 😎 like at all. I can listen to her debut recording every single day.

[@franklee1205]

Thank you, will definitely look to find that👍

[@mchristr]

As a 63 year-old intermediate guitarist, this gives me hope. Later. Got to go and practice.

[@frankblunt2482]

Martha redefines thinking about the aging process. A beautiful genius.

[@glennhelton4220]

Hey Rick, I've been watching your videos for years now, and out of all of the ones I've seen, this one is the most inspiring one to me. I'll be 54, and I play lead guitar and bass on Lower Broadway here in Nashville 7 days a week, and lately I've been so depressed and discouraged about playing music that I've wanted to quit more times than I can remember. Seeing this video has kicked me in the rear end and lit a fire within me to keep going, to not let anything, or anyone get in my way of achieving my own personal best. Thank you sir for this video!

[@neocollective]

Hey, I've been staying in that Lower Broadway area many times for work, I understand your frustration as a musician. Look up that documentary about Martha Argerich's life and career, it's revealing and humbling.

[@johanna5688]

If you don't use it, you lose it. You will have to start from ABC if you let it drop, and that is very boring & disheartening. It happened to me. I spiralled into a deep depression after things turned sour for me a few years ago. I had so many tunes in my repertoire that I had memorised, but have since forgotten to play them by memory now. Now that is sad. I'm 61 and had been playing for many years before that. I regret letting my keyboard playing go. I really do. It is just so hard to get anywhere near where I was before. I don't know if I even have the will to do it anymore. Don't make the same mistake as me. I played so well before.

[@halbos7637]

@@johanna5688 You are a musician. I love music. Get back to playing, PLEASE!

[@halbos7637]

You are a musician. I love music. Keep playing, PLEASE!

[@fightingforfreedom5017]

Never heard of Martha before. Thanks to you I’m glad I do now. A special woman. That she still performs is amazing. The pressure just before going on the stage must be sky high for her. More than ever on this age. She told once in a interview that sometimes she got scared before performing. Wondering if she was still good and fast enough. In another documentary you see her just before going on the stage. Very nervously, telling the camera team she’s feeling tired and don’t want to play. With this thought in mind, playing under this enormous pressure, it’s impressive. She’s definitely one of a kind. I would love to see her playing live, ‘cause people like her are very rare.

[@ciamber]

I'm an Argentinian who rarely will mention their nationality for any vague sense of nationalism. But people like Argerich make it pretty pretty difficult not to say, hey Rick, thanks for showcasing her art to a broader audience (many, way too many Argentinians don't even know her still!).

[@athletemusician8098]

Thank you for giving the world Martha Argerich and Lionel Messi

[@grissini]

The strength of a very intelligently built technique far from unmindful scale practicing. I'm happy having witnessed her sound presence live. Rubinstein was also one of those titan that didn't bent the knee in front of the sunset and remained at a phenomenal artistic and technical level until the very end, despite getting blind!

[@rmyAddison]

"didn't bent the knee in front of the sunset"...............wonderful expression !~!~! She is amazing..........

[@vincentgarzoli3197]

Back in the mid-1980s, I had a Music Appreciation teacher at Santa Rosa Junior College named Dr. John Nelson. He probably was in his early 70s, and he had both Perfect Pitch AND a Photographic Memory. I never got to watch him play a performance (just demonstrations of examples from the music we examined in class), however, he used to claim at the time that he could still performing the most challenging piece he had ever played, which was some Piano Symphony 9 (I don't recall the number) by Poulenc that involved a right-hand stretch of an octave-and-a-FIFTH! My classmates and I used to bring him examples of what we were listening to (mostly thin, pre-accident, Yngwie Malmsteen) that we thought would impress the good Dr. and he would proceed to write out the score on a chalkboard as he was having his very first listen. Most of us could barely play any of it then, let alone score it! We were simply flabbergasted! The cherry on top is that he probably is (was?) the most humble person, let alone musician that I have ever met.

[@daviddemar8749]

Omg the Prokofiev piano concerto no. 3. I'm 60 years old and I have R/R-MS. I haven't been to a guitar lesson in almost 4 years. But I'm in semi- remission now (thank you God)...and this video has inspired me to start over again (thank you Rick Beato for this video and for your tribute to your Aunt Peggy RIP). Bach and Roll , forever, David DeMar

[@jaysgood10]

So prose like.

[@MartianTom]

@@vincentgarzoli3197 Liszt and Rachmaninov could handle a 13th. I have big hands and can manage an octave and a fifth. Just wish I was a better player!

[@nivaldotavarespiano]

I had the honor to play for her and got a letter that she wrote telling her impressions on my playing and that was a dream come true because I know her playing since I was a child. Actually, you must listen to her best friend Nelson Freire, who unfortunately passed away in 2021, who was also a big friend of mine and encouraged me to play for her, which I did in 2001 at her Festival. All I can say is that her fantastic power of hypnotize audiences around the world is much more powerful in person. She speaks 9 languages fluently and has a charming look in her eyes that makes you fall for her instantly. Like Barack Obama said “she possesses the piano”, and I’ll add, she possesses all of us.

[@huskvarsm]

Rick I wasn’t aware of this lady until now, and it floored me…..what an amazing individual and what a truly rich life she has lived and continues to live thanks for sharing.

[@TheBankBand]

In Poland, specially in Warsaw The Chopin Competition is a big deal. Every 5 years everybody becomes Chopin expert :) And they always present previous winners, at least the memorable ones. She's always on that list. Great that she still performs at her age.

[@bigl5343]

Checkout Grzegorz Niemczuk's channel. He does analyses of Chopin. He won the Warsaw Chopin competition in 2010.

[@wilh3lmmusic]

She won in ‘65 and served on the jury other times too

[@malunggayrocks]

Argerich is a pianist's pianist. I'm lucky to have watched her live twice. First in Europe. I was in tears hearing the first few bars of her Beethoven #2. Her silken tones and poetry melted my heart. In Singapore, anything she played was breathtaking. Literally could not breathe! I adore her. She is phenomenal!

[@valerijavranjes9937]

Dear Rick, thank you for this video. I had a great luck to see her finally live in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 3rd September 2024...and it was musically the greatest concert I've ever listen. She played Ravel G major concierto with Slovenian Philharmonic orchestra...I've kind of already gave up hope seeing her live, but finally got a chance to hear her. Dream come true! One of the greatest pianists ever!❤

[@chriss6733]

She's a goddess. My teacher took me to Switzerland years ago to hear her,and it was one of the pivotal moments of my life.

[@jbognap]

My musical goal for age 80 would be a beating heart.

[@jeremysette3657]

Haha, same

[@Franatom]

LOL

[@livb6945]

Well, that's all she seems to need... 😜

[@axsup7g140]

Tempo presto! :D

[@Sexy2Limerick]

Gotta keep the rhythm going somehow. Beating heart seems like the way to do it.

[@technicmachine]

It always makes me glad to see big channels talking about classical music.

[@michaelwu7678]

Yeah but I would’ve loved more content about the actual music

[@thomassiegler9898]

Go to twoset violin >3M subs, so big channel talking merely about classical music.

[@nahuelgrau7074]

Gracias por recordar a esta increíble pianista!!! es uno de los mas grandes orgullos de mi patria, Argentintina. Y un gran orgullo para el mundo de la música y las artes en generar!! Marta con sus 80 añitos es un gran ejemplo admirar!! Su recuerdo y su musica vivira mas de 200 años! Abrasos desde la Patagonia Argentina!! Thank you for remembering this incredible pianist !!! He is one of the greatest prides of my country, Argentintina. And a great pride for the world of music and the arts to generate !! Marta with her 80 years old is a great example to admire !! His memory and his music will live more than 200 years! Abrasos from the Argentine Patagonia !!

[@brentwalker3300]

Y que tal Gustavo Cerati? Otro orgullo de su patria, verdad?

[@DeanoPiano]

Her movements are scarily insane, she scares me, a living genius.

[@Laura2025]

Thank you for your appreciation of Argerich! She's certainly one to be remembered for hundreds of years to come. As an Argentinian classical musician myself, I couldn't not know and admire her work.

[@jeacunag]

She has probably the best hand mechanics I've seen in any pianist, so effortless. A wonderful artist.

[@davidvicari5139]

It takes much more than hands. The entire upper body at least, is involved in good piano playing. That is where the effortless comes from. Obviously with respect to some physically handicapped wonderful players, but it is a misnomer to think hands.

[@mina_en_suiza]

The thing about Martha Argerich is not only her being an incredible musician, but also one of the smartest and warm hearted persons in the world of music.

[@brycewulf9741]

She made a deal with the devil... She gave him lessons in exchange for his soul..

[@quayscenes]

🤣👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@gsm2424]

Not this bs again lmao

[@MsLacy707]

😭

[@2002FREDERICK]

Agreeeeeee !!!!

[@samygeorge4183]

hahahaha xD nice one! :D

[@harrybarrow6222]

Marta Argerich is just incredible, especially when you realise she is an octogenarian. I came across a report yesterday that said learning to play an instrument can counteract brain degeneration in old age. Coincidentally, I was thinking recently that I would like to learn to play the piano. I am 78. 😄

[@mxrc179]

Harry, I'd encourage you to learn the piano ASAP. I started taking piano lessons at age 60 and have found that although it is slow-going, it is immensely satisfying, does indeed sharpen the mind and the memory, and teaches you things about yourself you never learn when you're young. The wisdom and joy coming from learning music later in life is beyond words...

[@rosasosajosendi3098]

Go for it!!! 💪✨

[@happygodavid]

I read an interview with someone a while back who had just turned 105. When asked what her biggest regret in life was, she said (paraphrased), “My whole life, I wanted to play piano. When I was young, we were too poor. When I finished college and got married and had kids, I didn’t have time. When I retired, I had time, but I thought I was too old. My biggest regret? Not starting piano lessons at 65. If I had, I would have been a pianist for 40 years at this point.” It’s never too late. 🤗

[@devinmichaelroberts9954]

unfortunately its nearly impossible though to teach the elderly new tasks. The part of the brain doesnt work like it does when you are young unless you have prior music knowledge. I taught piano for years. I had retired people take lessons and just couldnt learn even close to the pace of a child. Now its possible but youd have to dedicate 3-4 times as much of your time and energy as a child would for the same progress. Possible but unfortunately most people dont have the patience to wait 12 months before they can even play mary had a little lamb with both hands.

[@belis35]

Never too late !

[@hansvanrijn7796]

I already was a huge fan of your channel, but this episode seals it. Martha Algerich is absolutely amazing. Her performances of Ravel's Concerto in G major are completely out of this world!

[@catnameless1961]

I am from germany, please apologize my bad english. First time I have heard Martha Argerich live was in the 1980tes. She seemed to be very old to me - because I have been a Teenager at that time. Something happend that evening I will never forget: A lamp in the ceiling crashed with a loud noise. I winced from top to toe. So did Martha Argerich. But only her body not her hands. She went on playing Chopin without a millisecond of Interruption. (I swear this is true! It happend in Nürnberg, Meistersingerhalle, but I dont remember the exact year.) I was on my knees for admiration, and the admiration never ended. So wonderfull, when somebody gifted can do, what he/she is born to do till the end.

[@dingdongfiel5504]

Met her in italy in 2009. She is the "GOAT" indeed, who also happens to be one of the nicest people ever❤

[@ssravp]

She’s an astonishingly talented artist. Just brilliant.

[@crashbassist]

She's one of the most unique and amazing musicians I've heard in my life. She makes the impossible possible😱

[@anabelcantufloresreimann5602]

Thank you for taking time to talk about Martha Argerich!! It is my absolute piano goddess and I have had the privilege of going to her concerts almost every two years or so! My life in Germany as a Mexican woukd never be the same without her. I have seen a legendary performance of the Nurcracker with a Russian pianist friend and her two sons. 4 pianists in two pianos in the Essener Philarmony! I was in heaven!

[@ShirleyKirsten]

She's a genius in every sense! Age defying!

[@rhysevs]

I feel honoured to have not only seen her once, but twice - the second time I was sat front row. Both occasions in London. I discovered Martha when I was 14 - I’m now 25 and would listen to her on my way to school, whilst doing my school exam revision, during my working day, whilst entertaining others and relaxing on my own. There will never, ever be another pianist quite like her again. In my opinion, she is THE greatest.

[@numbersabcdefg]

She speaks multiple language, music happens to be one of them.

[@stevo43068]

Yes! This occurred to me too.

[@domja9389]

Well put sir.

[@3rdstone1]

Excellent comment.

[@cherylhutchinson7769]

Thank you for this. I discovered her about a month ago and am just AMAZED and can't get enough of her.