[rockadanny]

I am considering picking up this CD: "Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording", EMI (1999), but am concerned about the audio quality. I've read a couple of consumer reviews stating that it is pretty bad. Anyone out there heard this and care to comment?

[FullRangeMan]

I dont own this album, I would buy it as SACD.
I like EMI analogue recordings on SACD, if an SACD is avaliable I sure the sound will be good, the Abbey Road acoustics is nice on SACD.
I have EMI and DG analogue recordings on SACD and the sound is quite better than CD and no hiss audible.
I would refrain to buy it as redbook CD due the format limitations at full price.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a80Pw3Md3I

[Tyson]

The hirez remaster is definitely better sounding than the standard rez version.  Still not "hifi", but decent.

[Photon46]

FWIW, see the link to a review. ( I assume this is the recording you are referencing.) I have never found myself regretting a purchase that this reviewer recommended. I always felt some performances need to be in one's collection in spite of not being state of the art. For fans of Marta Argerich, this could well qualify. http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=1843

[rockadanny]

Thank you all for the replies. I only do Redbook CD as a source, so I am limited to this format.
Thanks Photon46 or the link. After reading it I am comfortable making the purchase.

[Tyson]

Oh don't get me wrong, its a reference performance (as are most of her recordings).  Just that the remaster improves the soud, that's all.

[rockadanny]

Thanks Tyson - good to know.

[richidoo]

I grabbed a used copy of this on Amazon. Sound is excellent. It is old style mastering, big, full EQ, some tasteful compression but not obvious, typical 60s classical sound intended to entertain the listener. Not the modern audiophile flat EQ hyper detail sound. Very lovely and satisfyingly rich and ballsy.

And the playing... wow! She is very expressive and confident. Technique is out of this world, but never intrudes on her artistry or the compositions.

Very different than my Arthur Rubenstein and Garrick Ohlsson Chopin recordings.  Thanks for bringing this one to my attention!
Rich

[artur9]

Where can one get the remaster?  Qobuz has no presence in the U.S.

[LesterSleepsIn]

Slightly off topic, I purchased the first set of the DG re-releases. Good for a historical perspective I guess but compressed to hell and back, brittle and colorless, almost unlistenable.

https://www.amazon.com/Martha-Argerich-Collection-Solo-Recordings/dp/B001BWQVSG/ref=sr_1_12?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1498484978&sr=1-12&keywords=martha+argerich

[richidoo]

Where can one get the remaster?  Qobuz has no presence in the U.S.

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=1843
https://smile.amazon.com/Martha-Argerich-Legendary-1965-Recording/dp/B00000IWVS   -CD
https://smile.amazon.com/Chopin-Legendary-1965-Recording-Vinyl/dp/B01C6FGBEU   - Vinyl

There is a recording of a live recital on DG released soon after the recording, and there is a separate recording in studio by EMI, same music program, recorded shortly after the recital, not released until 1999 due to legal issues. All the links above are the EMI studio recording, (Warner Classics)

Lester links the DG version(s) above

[rockadanny]

Sound is excellent. It is old style mastering ...

Agree! Mine showed up - got it from swapacd.com

You're welcome Richidoo.