Scarlatti Sonata in D minor K141 by Martha Argerich (2008)

[@longhoang148]

she sat down and instantly played,without any moment in between, just like the piano was part of her body! What a legend! this is the most interesting and ear-pleasured rendition i had heard so far.

[@excelsior999]

Good post. I was just comparing your observation the manner of some very fine keyboardists who find it necessary to close their eyes and lower their heads for several seconds in order to collect themselves before beginning to play.

[@sunilcunningham3080]

She picked up the piano from 2 years old, then was classically schooled. No doubt she has a natural ability and flair for the instrument. Without notation it demonstrates she plays by ear and feel not just notes by rote. Saying this you got to catch them young. They reckon in China milllions of children under the age of 10 are at grade 8 classical piano. Go figure.

[@augustjakobsen4960]

@@sunilcunningham3080 or it just shows that she memorised it, she definitely learns by reading, it's so much faster than learning by ear if you're good at it

[@hernanmunozratto5899]

@@augustjakobsen4960 she learned Prokofiev third concerto by listening to her flat mate in Geneva studying whilst she was sleeping. She even learned with the mistakes her flat mate made

[@igo.spekkyjarvonvreich]

@@hernanmunozratto5899wow! She also has photographic memory I think

[@edvarddanielavilesmeza1890]

Probably the best pianist alive. Technique, speed, accuracy, dynamics, she just checks all the boxes.

[@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz]

Dear Edvard you are fallen in love with THIS pianist. MA Is a great pianist nothing more

[@jjgghhjk]

​​@@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6szStop making comparisons.

[@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz]

@@jjgghhjk agree. The comparisons Is absurde.

[@songohan3931]

@@jjgghhjkthere’s nothing wrong with comparing you softie

[@ziggy185]

There's not a lot of point to using the word 'best' at that level. Every pianist has stuff they do really well, and some stuff they are bluffing a bit. Marc Andre Hamelin has far greater technique than Argerich - but I find her more lyrical. Who I would call *the* best depends very much on what piece they're playing.

[@antonellamajorano5348]

Certo che Scarlatti, nel panorama barocco, è unico per cantabilità , per colore, per tecnica. Veramente straordinario.

[@kianooshghaffarzade]

You know it is perfection when your fingers look like this while playing piano. It is not only sound that is beautiful, even the shape of hands are beautiful in this performance.

[@Genoflesh]

You are so right. The fingers seem to move autonomously. Piano is an amazing piece of music and art.

[@forgottenbooks2395]

+kianoosh ghaffarzade I agree, some pianists' hands are just a joy to watch, even with the video on mute. Argerich is definitely one. Horowitz and Michelangeli are others. The sheer economy of motion and fluidity in all three pianists' hands are so awe-inspiring. Watching Cziffras' always unsettled me for some reason, even if the music was beyond reproach.

[@nikolaacimovic8854]

+kianoosh ghaffarzade After Martha there will be never someone who can play in such a speed and without tone omission and so Musical and fluent at the same time...I admire her work...Shame that she did not play more from Bach and Scarlatti...

[@AlfaAxel]

How do you like "Lang Lang" and Evgeny Kissin? Valentina Lisitsa? Gabriela Montero? and many more - though all of them exceptionally nice and agile!

[@zellversefactory6956]

kianoosh ghaffarzade its same like lisitsa hands

[@gerardpaire304]

Je ne l'avais jamais entendue dans cette merveilleuse sonate en la mineur ! Comme (presque) toujours elle surpasse tous les autres !!!! Tempi, nuances, son toucher miraculeux et unique caresse le piano avec une délicatesse infinie. Merveilleuse Martha ❤ !

[@amj.composer]

I love how she gets up while still playing the last note. What swag haha.

[@samanthaporter7298]

I do, too! She sits down, and the notes IMMEDIATELY flow from her fingers. When she plays the last note, her fingers (and the rest of her) get up from the piano, and that's all "she" wrote! :D

[@simonlong4718]

Aryaman - Anime on Piano major flex

[@schoolsmartypantswhiz7169]

Dummy

[@MontoyaMatrix]

Nina Simone would do that, too!

[@hernanmunozratto5899]

In another encore she did with this piece she throws her handkerchief on top of the piano and starts to play this almost as the kerchief still on the aire lol she is such a unique genius ❤️

[@elaineblackhurst1509]

Rarely have I heard a performance and interpretation of a piece by any composer that so completely blows out the water every other recording of the same work, as Martha Argerich does with this sonata. The highest possible levels of technique, dexterity and skill are matched with musicianship, understanding and feeling of this composer’s idiom to produce a mesmerising performance of this little masterpiece. Additionally, this is a masterclass on how to play baroque music - originally conceived for the harpsichord - on a modern piano, the pedalling for example is exemplary and very tasteful. Argerich has played this sonata throughout her career, and it shows in her total understanding of the shape of a binary form sonata, especially in the way she builds to the emotional climaxes in the work - almost never at the end in Scarlatti, but usually hidden in the middle of each half. It is interesting that this baroque piece works so well as an encore to a relatively modern concerto like Prokofiev’s third; though it is about 275 years old, it’s quality makes it timeless, endlessly modern and fascinating. Many pianists can - and have somehow - got through the notes of this sonata, it’s probably technically about an ABRSM Grade 8+; Henle assess it as a 7 (advanced) in their useful 1 - 9 difficulty list. However, playing the notes is one thing, playing the music is quite another. Scarlatti himself was a brilliant keyboard player, he would have loved this stupendous, commanding performance. Watch the musicians around Argerich, they are spellbound; the audience reaction tells you the rest. In short: a peerless performance.

[@lailaiwdable]

Elaine Blackhurst thank you. Beautiful words and holistic analysis.

[@jose4877]

She uses the pedal throughout the entire piece; isn't that interesting?

[@danielfinn1572]

I responded to your response, but I posted it up top cause I spent so much time writing it that I didnt want it to get buried in a chain of responses where no one would ever see it. I didn't mean to get so into it, but the music, along with your post, got me fired up and soon I was writing more than I meant to. Hi five Elaine, I can see you love this performance as much as I do.

[@elaineblackhurst1509]

Daniel Finn You clearly think everything about MA’s performance is as special as I think it is; we are not mistaken - it is simply magnificent. Thanks for your comment.

[@gba662012]

@@lailaiwdable yes

[@Karloffrules]

She seems so relaxed, and to be having fun with it. God, this is beautiful.

[@smartestcom]

which is evidence of having technique, best technique, and skillful use of best technique

[@youoneda]

I've never heard such a fast performance of Scarlatti.

[@franciscobiro7047]

Go and see HJ Lim's and then delete your comment xd

[@lobolobo1504]

@@franciscobiro7047 I prefer this one. Lim just brags.

[@franciscobiro7047]

@@lobolobo1504 Yup, couldn't agree more. I was just talking about speed, not passion or grace

[@icravecheddar7401]

D .Scarlatti: *sheds a single tear*

[@Rog5446]

Yes, Too fast. I heard her play this at the Proms in London and it too was faster than it should have been.

[@sarahheger5612]

Martha Argerich - a name spoken with reverence and love by all musicians. She is not just a great pianist, she is also a supreme musician.

[@liloruf2838]

But still.. It doesn't sound good. She huddles over parts and makes it sound bitchy overall.

[@mlr3188]

@@liloruf2838 come on man

[@lawrencetendler2342]

@@liloruf2838 Don't talk crap.

[@martinalmeida651]

@@liloruf2838 bitchy? What the actual fuck dude

[@fredericfrancoischopin6971]

@@liloruf2838 Shut up.

[@melehi]

I am in awe of her. She is the most technically proficient pianist I have heard. A true wonder.

[@AusSkyLFT]

I sadly cannot hear any other renditions of this without thinking of Martha's performances. She truly is one of the best pianists of our time

[@MikeWalls7829]

A living genius, I had the privilege of meeting her once in 2007 she is a true god and a lovely person.

[@radiokid2]

Wow, what a player she is! Scarlatti is one of the most underrated composers in history...a blend of Baroque severity and classical simplicity. He def. had one of the greatest hands ever. The music just pours out of them and not just his head. The first jazz player...?

[@zigleveit]

radiokid2 I agree with this comment. I always secretly felt this way, but figured it was just a personal feeling. This Scarlatti guy was wild. I think he was born in 1685 along with both Bach and Handel. A very good year!

[@Spscc23998]

Wastes no time getting started and gets up to walk away while still playing the last note. A true master.

[@musicrox1999]

her articulation is so precise. she can play this piece flawlessly and with ease. she is honestly my idol.

[@MilesB1975]

Love how she sits down and immediately begins to Hammer It! No pause for thought required when you are in possession of Genius! Bam! 😋

[@pauldeck4500]

yeah and she's standing up while her last note is still ringing. All business. Not wanting to keep the orchestra players from the rest of their evenings. Awesome professionalism.

[@fibienn250]

I suspect that she doesn’t thrive on attention and applause, it may even embarrass her. She is merely onstage for her love of music and a wish to share it with others. Truely commendable.

[@Music_withEmily]

lame

[@shandur5660]

She’s an extremely nice person and very humble.

[@loteezkie9597]

I just love this woman.

[@крючковвадим-ф5ь]

Как старое, доброе вино,- с годами только крепче, ароматнее и вкуснее. Браво маэстро.

[@giusypollina7915]

Un pezzo di bravura ,insuperabile nella sostanza dell'Arte di Scarlatti . Mi ha appassionata alla Sua musica !😊❤❤❤

[@timward276]

This is my go-to video if I want to show people what a real piano virtuoso sounds and looks like.

[@slayers8541]

Wow her videos should come with a warning warning "do not watch if you ever want to be impressed by something else again" this is perfection.

[@elalli99]

Also add a warning for anyone who has ever played the piece she is performing!

[@joeyjojojojojojojojojojojojojo]

I love reading KZbin comments when everyone is full of praise. She played it to perfection. Great music brings everyone together

[@schwermetallFZ8]

Thats a deep statement mate 👏👏

[@melissarainchild]

She's so one with her instrument that is shows on her relaxed face...superb...

[@GiovanniLazzarettoxyz]

Marta lei, solamente lei riesce a suonare, parlare di e con la musica in questo modo. Marta penso che tu sia stata un dono del cielo a tutti noi uomini e donne che abbiamo avuto la ventura, la fortuna di incontrarti. Grazie!!!!

[@gad9707]

Grazie miele per tutto trio 🐞🍀🐞🐞🐞🍀🍀🐞🍀🐞🐞🐞🍀🍀🍀🐞

[@Mastadex]

She makes it look easier than breathing.

[@northernbrother1258]

Other versions I've heard are played much slower, but the trills sound better played at this speed...bravo!

[@ornellacontreras4554]

TE AMO MARTA ,SOS UNA INCREÍBLE MÚSICA Y PIANISTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cassidymorris424]

She absolutely shredded on this piano, I am in awe

[@And777_mgn]

La Signora del Pianoforte! Sublime, bellezza assoluta! Un'interpretazione che qualsiasi compositore vorrebbe della Sua opera ... Lei, non ha eguali!

[@eva9691]

La dama de piano se llama Martha Argerich y es Argentina !!

[@marshalbass7098]

Speechless

[@MarconiJazz]

She is amazing! Such an astonishing pianist! She is turning 80 today wow! Respect!!!

[@mistrch]

Envy fast flying fingers that can articulate so well. A master of keyboard reproduction. Well done. Thank you.

[@HansenTamayo-rf8dx]

1:22 I love this part and its modulation ❤

[@namelesswolf25]

This is the first content I've ever watched of Martha Argerich. First time, I was stunned by her "straight forward" nature with her going STRAIGHT to the piano with no pauses in between along with her other-worldly rendition. 7 years have passed since I saw this video, I have been listened to more of her work and many more amazing pianists, but coming back? It feels like nothing has changed, Argerich still captivated me the same way as she did the first time. Amazing woman she is. God bless her

[@michaelxchi]

She made this look super effortless ❤️

[@chanhnguyen2215]

It’s hard piece baroque music. Thank you.

[@mariavelazquezdeangulo1640]

Exitosa pianista Martha Argerich , interpretando a Scarlatti .

[@gioragoldberg3980]

The genuine finger magician and very great interpreter, bravo Martha.

[@Madaduxum]

Amazingly intricate and decorative with outstanding momentum and detail. Wunderbar.

[@cedricrlongreen]

I stumbled upon my Scarlatti Sonata book and saw this one and was like "Ooo this one looks good I should listen to all of them" and today was when I realized how brilliant of a composer he was.

[@raulagarcia4744]

Heavenly and earthy

[@gloriasantos-romero3447]

The one and only Martha Argerich; second to none!!!!!

[@slacker697]

this piece has been hardwired into her brain. so beautiful and effortless

[@lloydl7425]

Great sound-crystal clarity at velocity--shimmering.

[@adalina3166]

Admirable Marta.Su digitación en esta sonata perfecta.Como en todo lo pasa por sus manos.Un orgullo para la Argentina.

[@DanaNitzoy]

She’s “breathing” it! Beyond this world! ❤️

[@Cosectas]

semplicemente meravigliosa!!!

[@nickharris9761]

Had to watch this twice. Just magic !

[@Enolu]

She's incredible! Just amazing playing, beautiful!

[@LordMSh]

The goddess of piano. Divine music.

[@gregorioussardi1498]

One of the best pianists ever !!

[@annetteguida5033]

One of the most magnificent interpretations. Priceless technique.

[@janspaandonk]

Uit gevoert als modern werk bizonder dank

[@nopalitosms]

Martha is one of the finest artist living today, This is an amazing musical performance... I don´t know if there´s another pianist in this planet with this artistic and brilliant technique.

[@robertbohrer7501]

It's immediately obvious that she's mastered this piece.

[@wr7804]

So magnificent!

[@sukruercan1279]

She is the best of all time!

[@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz]

WHAT??? PLEASE...

[@Eric-jo8uh]

Brilliant performance 👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍

[@honeysoi]

Quelle souplesse et quelle musicalité dans le jeu. Ça coule comme une source et cette pièce pour clavecin devient autre chose d’encore plus beau !

[@obuvantracit]

Великолепно. Браво. Чудесно. Влюбляет в музыку

[@sergejvasiljevitsjrachmani2808]

guys..... I am addicted to this piece...help

[@GiovanniLazzarettoxyz]

Marta la più grande di sempre!

[@bleuiguess3293]

She sat down and started without hesitation; absolutely golden lmao

[@tunca9709]

Her usage of dynamics in that speed?!!! Incredible😄 Sound of the piano is amazing too, you can hear every single note!

[@betcross1]

Martha's Scarlatti is an incredible performance...one of her favorite encores. I heard her play it in San Francisco in '98...the audience went wild!

[@magdaelias5304]

Argerich is just amazing!

[@tempusestiocundum3549]

Semplicemente straordinaria 😍👍👏👏👏👏👏💙💖💕💖💙💙💙💙💖💞💙💙💙💖💕💕💓💕💕💖💖💖

[@philippehazael-massieux9181]

c'est beau et impressionnant !

[@lepingstepp7401]

Wow! She is so amazing !!!

[@Paolo62ist]

Meravigliosa Martha.

[@OscarGraumusico]

Una verdadera joya, extraordinaria. Bravaa

[@arnold4194]

this is genuine perfection.

[@Vorkosis]

She plays this piece so wonderfully.

[@gordanamaric6962]

Perfect. The best❤️

[@angelajowichewich8062]

MY MIND IS LITERALLY BLOWN AWAY! MARTHA'S THE BEST😍😍😍😍😍

[@abramotube]

Magnifico

[@dragonperson4607]

I’m trying this piece out, and when I tried to even take the speed close to this, all I got was a jumble. This is so good!😊

[@jose4877]

Dragon Person You need to use the pedal, like she did. 😊

[@sabrinaamaducci7489]

Incredibile, meravigliosa, solo lei !

[@benhayward78]

How to make something so difficult look ao easy is an art.

[@TheMikester307]

And Happy Birthday (October 26, 1685), to Domenico Scarlatti!

[@mnverrone]

Ohhhhhh my beloved Martha....such divine!!! Godess!!! Brava Maestra!

[@yves921]

Elle est totalement habitée par le génie de Scarlatti... stupéfiant !

[@gretab9551]

She’s truly amazing

[@hperlas]

Es simplemente genial!!....

[@pianoarchive3178]

Have to admit I caused 10% of the views. Absolutely wonderful! Highest esteem for Scarlatti AND Argerich.

[@jean_c_santos]

Her fingers sound like a drum roll. amazing

[@marcussfebruary9104]

Lol that is what the music is actually based on, the folk music of Spain, Scarlatti often uses the sounds of drums in one of the hands and a melodic line of say guitars in the other

[@ErikWolowitz]

Never heard of this woman before, wow, what a find.

[@ytyt3922]

Erik Wolowitz yeesh you’ve never heard of Martha Argerich? I assume you’re very young or not a classical piano fan.

[@nicb4589]

I’m really surprised. She’s kinda one of the best alive at the moment. Immense technique, and she makes it all look so easy. Check out her Rachmaninoff Concerto 3 recording. One of my favorites

[@mariavelazquezdeangulo1640]

Magnifique !!!!

[@chrisstradling2535]

I normally insist on a harpsichord for Scarlatti but I'll make an exception for this!

[@Labienus]

Have always enjoyed it on both instruments-she is exceptional, but other pianists, each in the their way appear inspired by this keyboard writing-Horowitz, Perahia come to mind

[@DoctorIdo]

Me too.

[@marcussfebruary9104]

I agree @Chris Stradling

[@Bulbophile]

innocuous little nightmares played extraordinarily well by this maestro

[@nicb4589]

Im not even sure if a harpsichord is physically able to repeat notes these fast lol

[@Lengfs]

no one could play like her

[@pietalpha2]

!! No one CAN play like her

[@danal81]

pietalpha2 she is original.. so are some others as well

[@mauro_pappagallo]

Daniil Trifonov surely can

[@fatdoi003]

@@mauro_pappagallo he still got long way to go to even get closer to Martha...

[@nerve5003]

Look up jean rondeau's interpretation of this peice for the harpsichord

[@anaisaddam960]

What a brillant technical performance ! Mind-blowing !!

[@ConnorSmith-lh7uw]

So I like to watch videos on 2x speed sometimes, and when she started playing I actually had to check that I didn't leave it on. Martha Argerich is seriously talented!

[@allaschersterferan4968]

Goodness me this is flawless

[@walterwallace4913]

What a treasure she is.

[@altamira58]

Grande Marta!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EmdrGreg]

Magical music; spell-binding playing.

[@sarahheger5612]

An electrifying performance of this Sonata. yet at the same time musical to the core!