Martha Argerich, the Elusive, Enigmatic Goddess' of the Piano
Briefly

At 83, Martha Argerich remains a remarkable figure in classical music, captivating audiences with her performances. Following a concert in Basel, she sought momentary escape from her identity as a pianist to reflect on her artistic journey. Despite her prowess, she critiques her recent performance of Schumann's concerto, recalling a cautionary message from her youth about the challenges this piece poses to musicians. Argerich’s passion for music endures, even as she acknowledges the physical changes in her hands, yet they still retain their extraordinary ability to create music.
Argerich explains her need for solitude after performances, stating, 'For a moment, I don't want to be a pianist. Now, I am someone else.'
Despite her legendary status, Argerich criticizes her own performance, saying, 'I played the opening flourish of Schumann's piano concerto...not so good.'
At 83, Argerich reflects on the physical state of her hands, admitting, 'They look old now, but they still work.'
Her first experience with the Schumann concerto remains vivid; she recalls a conductor warning her about the challenges faced by pianists who play it.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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