Most prodigiously gifted of all pianists, [Martha Argerich] inspires others with her presence, and many of these performances are of an opulent and overwhelming glory --Gramophone Warner Classics is pleased to release the 11th annual 3-CD set of highlights from Martha Argerich in Lugano. Martha Argerich’s passion, technical virtuosity, temperament, commitment, and supreme artistry have illuminated the music world and left audiences spellbound since she won the 1964 International Chopin Competition. This set celebrates the musical fruits of a project in which young artists join seasoned performers, including Martha Argerich, to explore both well-known and rarely heard chamber and orchestral repertoire. The repertoire of Martha Argerich and Friends – Live from Lugano 2013 puts the piano at the center of the programming by focusing on piano duets and rarely performed and recorded compositions. The repertoire moves from Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Ravel, Debussy, and Offenbach to Shostakovich. Among them is a very interesting and singular “Carnival of the Animals,” by Saint-Saëns – a version for two pianos, two violins, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet and percussion. CD Listing: CD 1: Beethoven: Concerto No. 1, Op. 15 Beethoven: Sonata Op. 5, No. 2 CD 2: Respighi: Sonata P 110 Liszt: La lugubre Gondola S. 200 Shostakovich: Sonata Op. 40 CD 3: Ravel: Sonata Op. Posth Debussy: Petite suite Offenbach: Gaîté parisienne Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animalsaint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals