Piano Forum

Who doesn't? If you don't--then go away.

I love it, have not played it yet, but have listened to it several times now by various performers, my two favorites thus far being:

1) Richter


2)Argerich


Now, I'm usually biased towards Richter, and I think this is a phenomenal recording of his, but Argerich is...well, Argerich. I think that she is amazing in this recording, her technique is so relaxed, her hands just seem to glide horizontally, gentle and steady as hummingbirds. However, at a few points (e.g. 4:30 ish) I think here dynamic transitions are a little blunt for my taste. I think they should flow a little more aqueously. But overall, excellent a joy to watch.

Richter, as per usual, just has superlative supremacy over his instrument in this video. Truly he's in the height of his powers here. He takes it a little faster tempo than Argerich which I think works for the most part, although it felt just a tad rushed at some of the climatic middle trills and that large glissando in there. But his colorings and texture at moments like 00:40ish-00:48ish and the section around 3:20--truly sound like the colors and feelings of the sea. And the ending just rocks you away on a mellow warm tide. I think overall I'd go with Richter. But, does anyone know of any later Argerich Jeux D'eau recordings? I'd be very interested to hear any. But supremely interested to hear any and all related thoughts on any of this Jeux D'eau business that I'm so taken with.