It is only since the 1990s that has been consciously involved in Shostaskovich's music, although before that time she also collaborated with Shostakovich loyal Soviet dissidents such as Rostropovich, Kremer and Maisky. At a festival at the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in 2006, Argerich was the soloist in Shostakovich's Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and String Orchestra. The audience reacted so
… enthusiastically that the final movement, Allegro con brio, had to be started. And that repetition can also be heard on this CD with live recordings. After that, there was a wonderful 'over the top' performance of Shostakovich's enigmatic Ninth Symphony, conducted by . Is it harmless circus music that makes us smile? Or are all those hollow phrases a cynical commentary on… Yes, on what actually? The bankruptcy of modern man? Or that of the communist ideal? The leaders of the Soviet leadership concluded the latter. And that came to Shostakovich in 1948 with a hefty rebuke. (HJ)more
