View source for Martha Argerich

{{Short description|Argentine pianist (born 1941)}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Promotional|date=October 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| image            = Martha argerich photo (cropped).jpg
| caption          = Argerich in 2015
| name             = Martha Argerich
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1941|6|5|df=y}}
| birth_place      = [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina
| module = 
 {{Infobox person
 | embed = yes
 | citizenship = Argentina<br>Switzerland}}
| spouse           = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Robert Chen|1964|1964|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Charles Dutoit]]|1969|1973|end=divorced}}}}
| occupation       = Musician
| instrument       = Piano
| genre            = [[Classical music|Classical]]
| label            = {{hlist|[[Deutsche Grammophon]]|[[Warner Classics]]|[[Philips Classics Records|Philips]]}}
}}
'''Martha Argerich''' ([[Rioplatense Spanish|Argentinian]] {{IPA|es|ˈmaɾta aɾxeˈɾitʃ}}; {{IPA|ca|əɾʒəˈɾik|label=Eastern Catalan:}}; born 5 June 1941) is an Argentine classical concert [[pianist]]. Argerich is known for her interpretations of the works by composers such as [[Frédéric Chopin|Chopin]], [[Maurice Ravel|Ravel]], [[Franz Liszt|Liszt]], [[Sergei Prokofiev|Prokofiev]], and [[Robert Schumann|Schumann]].<ref>Sources:

* {{cite news |last=Barone |first=Joshua |date=2017-10-18 |title=Hear the Martha Argerich Recordings That Inspired 8 Young Pianists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/18/arts/music/martha-argerich-recordings-that-inspired-pianists-carnegie-hall.html |access-date=2025-07-06 |work=The New York Times |quote="one of the greatest pianists in the world"}}
* {{cite news |last=Clements |first=Andrew |date=2021-06-17 |title=Martha Argerich review – our greatest living pianist? It's hard to disagree |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jun/17/martha-argerich-review-euroarts-collection-80-birthday |access-date=2025-07-06 |work=The Guardian |quote="generally regarded as the greatest pianist alive today"}}
* {{cite news |last=Midgette |first=Anne |date=2016-12-01 |title=Martha Argerich is a legend of the classical music world. But she doesn't act like one. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/martha-argerich-is-a-legend-of-the-classical-music-world-but-she-doesnt-act-like-one/2016/12/01/117095b4-b104-11e6-be1c-8cec35b1ad25_story.html |access-date=2025-08-24 |newspaper=The Washington Post |quote="the greatest pianist in the world, the artist whom other pianists almost universally venerate for her formidable technique and her instinctive musicianship"}}
</ref>

Born and raised in [[Buenos Aires]], Argerich gave her debut concert at the age of eight before receiving further piano training in Europe. At sixteen, she won both the [[Geneva International Music Competition]] and the Ferruccio Busoni International Competition. After a period of artistic uncertainty, she returned to performing with encouragement from Anny Askenase and went on to win the [[International Chopin Piano Competition]] in 1965, launching her international career. Since the 1980s, she has prioritized collaborative performance, appearing frequently with artists including [[Stephen Kovacevich]], [[Mischa Maisky]], and [[Gidon Kremer]].

She has held leadership roles in institutions such as the [[International Piano Academy Lake Como]] and the Argerich Music Festival in Beppu, Japan. Argerich gained early recognition for her technical skills and expressive interpretations, and while she initially performed solo recitals, she later focused on [[concerto]] and [[chamber music]] due to discomfort with solo performance. A prominent advocate for human rights, she has supported political causes and fellow musicians publicly. Known for her aversion to publicity, she holds citizenship in [[Argentina]] and [[Switzerland]] and has lived in various countries throughout her career.

== Early life and education ==
[[File:Martha Argerich  NYWTS.jpg|thumb|Argerich in 1962]]
Argerich was born in Buenos Aires.<ref>{{Cite news|title = An Enigmatic Pianist Reclaims Her Stardom|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/25/arts/an-enigmatic-pianist-reclaims-her-stardom.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 25 March 2000|access-date = 4 February 2016|issn = 0362-4331|first = Anthony|last = Tommasini}}</ref> Her paternal ancestors were from [[Catalonia]],  based in Buenos Aires since the 18th century. Her maternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from the [[Russian Empire]], who settled in Colonia Villa Clara in Argentina's [[Entre Ríos Province]], one of the colonies established by [[Maurice de Hirsch|Baron de Hirsch]] and the [[Jewish Colonisation Association|Jewish Colonization Association]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lavozylaopinion.com.ar/cgi-bin/medios/vernota.cgi?medio=lavoz&numero=Mayo2012&nota=Mayo2012-3 |title=La vida de una pianista única: "Martha Argerich" por Moshé Korin |publisher=Lavozylaopinion.com.ar |access-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130801143652/http://www.lavozylaopinion.com.ar/cgi-bin/medios/vernota.cgi?medio=lavoz&numero=Mayo2012&nota=Mayo2012-3 |archive-date=1 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://owl-ge.ch/arts-scenes/spip.php?article1941 |title=Portrait : Martha Argerich – Arts-Scènes |publisher=Owl-ge.ch |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-date=19 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219170213/http://owl-ge.ch/arts-scenes/spip.php?article1941 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The provenance of the name ''[[Argerich]]'' is Catalonia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martha Argerich and Daniel Rivera 25 Agosto 2019 Taormina |url=https://www.taorminaoperastars.com/en/concertoperpianoforteorchestramarthaargherichanddanielrivera |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=Taormina Opera Stars |language=en}}</ref>

A precocious child, Argerich began kindergarten at the age of two years and eight months, where she was the youngest child. A five-year-old boy, who was a friend, teased her that she would not be able to play the piano, and Argerich responded by playing perfectly, by ear, a piece their teacher played them. The teacher immediately called the mother and they "started making a fuss." Argerich started learning the piano at the age of three.<ref name="Dean Interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.andrys.com/arg-1979.html |first=Dean |last=Elder |title=Excerpts from "The Mercurial Martha Argerich" |date=5 February 1978 |access-date=23 August 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000607073630/http://www.andrys.com/arg-1979.html |archive-date=7 June 2000}}</ref> At the age of five, she moved to teacher [[Vincenzo Scaramuzza]], who stressed to her the importance of lyricism and feeling. Argerich gave her debut concert in 1949 at the age of eight. The family moved to Europe in 1955, where Argerich studied with [[Friedrich Gulda]] in Austria, whom Argerich describes as one of her major influences. She later studied with [[Stefan Askenase]] and [[Maria Curcio]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Niel Immelman |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/apr/14/obituary-maria-curcio |title=The Guardian, 14 April 2009 |newspaper=Guardian |date= 14 April 2009|access-date=4 January 2012 |location=London}}</ref> Argerich also seized opportunities for brief periods of coaching with Madeleine Lipatti (widow of [[Dinu Lipatti]]), [[Abbey Simon]], and [[Nikita Magaloff]].<ref>Manildi, Donald [http://www.musicalamerica.com/features/?fid=66&fyear=2001 Musician of the Year 2001 Martha Argerich], "Musical America", 2001</ref> In 1957, at sixteen, she won both the [[Geneva International Music Competition]] and the [[Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition|Ferruccio Busoni International Competition]] within three weeks of each other.{{#tag:ref|At the latter she met [[Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli]], whom she would later seek out for lessons – although she studied with him for over a year, she only had four lessons with him. Michelangeli, when asked what he had done for Argerich, replied: "I taught her the gift of silence".<ref name="Sweeting">{{cite news | url=https://www.ft.com/content/9370c7e4-a31f-11e0-a9a4-00144feabdc0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/9370c7e4-a31f-11e0-a9a4-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription | title=Strains of mood music | work=Financial Times | author=Andrew Clark | date=8 July 2011 | access-date=24 July 2015}}</ref>|group=n}}

Following this success, Argerich had a personal and artistic crisis. After an abortive attempt to study with the Italian pianist [[Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli]], who gave her only four lessons in the space of 18 months, she went to [[New York City]], hoping but failing to meet and study with her idol, [[Vladimir Horowitz]].<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/martha-argerich-is-a-legend-of-the-classical-music-world-but-she-doesnt-act-like-one/2016/12/01/117095b4-b104-11e6-be1c-8cec35b1ad25_story.html|title=Martha Argerich is a legend of the classical music world. But she doesn't act like one.|last1=Midgette|first1=Anne|date=1 December 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|access-date=23 January 2017}}</ref> She did not play the piano for three years and considered giving it up to train as a secretary or [[Physician|doctor]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capradio.org/100037|title=Artist Of The Week: Martha Argerich|first=Kevin|last=Doherty|website=Capradio.org}}</ref> She credited Anny Askenase, the wife of [[Stefan Askenase]], with encouraging her to return to the piano.<ref name="Dean Interview" />

== Professional career ==
{{external media|float=left|width=260px|audio1=Martha Argerich performing [[Johann Sebastian Bach]]'s [[Partitas for keyboard (Bach)|Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826]] [https://archive.org/details/MarthaArgerichBachPartita2bwv8261Sinfonia.GraveAdagio-Andante '''Here on archive.org''']}}

Argerich performed her debut concert at the age of eight, playing Mozart's [[Piano Concerto No. 20 (Mozart)|Piano Concerto No. 20]] in D minor and [[Piano Concerto No. 1 (Beethoven)|Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1]] in [[C major]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Argerich-Martha.htm|title=Martha Argerich (Piano) – Short Biography|website=Bach-cantatas.com|access-date=19 November 2017}}</ref> She gained international prominence when she won the [[VII International Chopin Piano Competition]] in [[Warsaw]] in 1965, at age 24.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/lioness-of-the-piano-martha-argerich-turns-80/a-57779104 |title='Lioness' of piano: Martha Argerich turns 80 |website=dw.com |author=Anastassia Boutsko |date=6 April 2021 |access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref> In that same year, she debuted in the United States in [[Lincoln Center]]'s Great Performers Series. In 1960, she had made her first commercial recording, which included works by [[Frédéric Chopin|Chopin]], [[Johannes Brahms|Brahms]], [[Maurice Ravel|Ravel]], [[Sergei Prokofiev|Prokofiev]], and [[Franz Liszt|Liszt]]; it received critical acclaim upon its release in 1961. She has since recorded works by composers including [[Alberto Ginastera|Ginastera]], [[Rachmaninoff]] and [[Robert Schumann|Schumann]], to whom she describes feeling a particular connection.<ref name="Bloody Daughter">"Bloody Daughter"</ref>

[[File:Martha argerich cck jul15.jpg|thumb|Argerich performing at the [[Kirchner Cultural Centre]], July 2015]]

Argerich has often remarked in interviews of feeling "lonely" on stage during solo performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sPD1cma58w | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202135058/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sPD1cma58w| archive-date=2 February 2014 | url-status=dead|title=YouTube |publisher=YouTube |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> Since the 1980s, she has staged few solo performances, concentrating instead on [[piano concerto|concertos]] and, in particular, [[chamber music]], and collaborating with instrumentalists in [[sonata]]s.

Argerich has also promoted younger pianists, both through her annual festival and through her appearances as a member of the jury at international competitions.<ref name="About ICC">{{cite web|title=About|url=http://konkurs.chopin.pl/en/about/competition|publisher=Chopin International Competition|access-date=17 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707105707/http://konkurs.chopin.pl/en/about/competition|archive-date=7 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="ASU Jury">{{cite web|title=Jury|url=http://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/pianocompetition/2013/jury.php|publisher=ASU Competition|access-date=17 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521032131/http://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/pianocompetition/2013/jury.php|archive-date=21 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="AR Competition">{{cite web|title=Ninth Competition|url=http://www.arims.org.il/ninth.php|publisher=Arthur Rubinstein Competition|access-date=17 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930200115/http://www.arims.org.il/ninth.php|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The pianist [[Ivo Pogorelić]] was thrust into the musical spotlight partly as a result of Argerich's actions: after he was eliminated in the third round of the [[X International Chopin Piano Competition|1980 International Chopin Piano Competition]] in [[Warsaw]], Argerich proclaimed him a genius and left the jury in protest.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=McCormick|first=Lisa|date=2018|title=Pogorelich at the Chopin: Towards a sociology of competition scandals|journal=The Chopin Review|publisher=[[Fryderyk Chopin Institute]]|issue=1|issn=2544-9249|url=http://chopinreview.com/pages/issue/7/1|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127080742/http://chopinreview.com/pages/issue/7/1|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to [[Đặng Thái Sơn]], the eventual winner, Argerich made the "beautiful gesture" of sending a public telegram to the judging committee to congratulate him, after learning the final results.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ho|first=Elijah|date=22 September 2011|title=Interview with Dang Thai Son|url= http://www.thecounterpoints.com/interviews/2015/9/15/interview-with-pianist-dang-thai-son |website=The Counterpoints}}</ref> She has supported several artists, including [[Gabriela Montero]], [[Mauricio Vallina]], [[Sergio Tiempo]], [[Roberto Carnevale]], [[Gabriele Baldocci]], and {{ill|Christopher Falzone|fr}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxxlJqI5idRkrS72BfVTK8A |title=Classicalrecitals |publisher=YouTube |date=3 November 2009 |access-date=4 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rsi.ch/argerich/welcome.cfm?lng=1&ids=491&idc=989 |title=Progetto Martha Argerich |language=it |publisher=Rsi.ch |access-date=4 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006174602/http://www.rsi.ch/argerich/welcome.cfm?lng=1&ids=491&idc=989 |archive-date=6 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rsi.ch/argerich/welcome.cfm?lng=1&ids=491&idc=1000 |title=Progetto Martha Argerich |language=it |publisher=Rsi.ch |access-date=4 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230134018/http://www.rsi.ch/argerich/welcome.cfm?lng=1&ids=491&idc=1000 |archive-date=30 December 2010 }}</ref>

[[File:Martha Argerich concierto.jpg|thumb|Argerich performing at the later [[Kirchner Cultural Centre]], 2008]]

Argerich is the president of the [[International Piano Academy Lake Como]] and performs annually at the [[Lugano]] Festival.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www4.rsi.ch/trasm/argerich/welcome.cfm |title=Progetto Martha Argerich |language=it |publisher=.rsi.ch |access-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104084319/http://www4.rsi.ch/trasm/argerich/welcome.cfm |archive-date=4 November 2015 }}</ref> She has also created and been a General Director of the Argerich Music Festival and Encounter in [[Beppu]], Japan, since 1996.

Her aversion to the press and publicity has resulted in her remaining out of the limelight for most of her career. Nevertheless, she has been described as one of the greatest contemporary pianists.<ref name="Alex Ross New Yorker profile">{{cite news |last=Ross |first=Alex |title=Madame X|url=http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2001/11/12/011112crmu_music |access-date=15 January 2014 |newspaper=The New Yorker |date=12 November 2001 |author-link=Alex Ross (music critic)}}</ref><ref name="2005 Tommasini review">{{cite news |last=Tommasini |first=Anthony |title=Classical Music: Recordings; Boisterous Beethoven, Brooding Brahms |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A05E7D7123CF933A15750C0A9639C8B63&ref=marthaargerich |access-date=15 January 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=20 March 2005 |author-link=Anthony Tommasini}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carrizo |first=Rodrigo |url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/directdemocracy/48th-solothurn-film-festival_examining-a-martha-daughter-relationship/34795316 |title=Examining a Martha-daughter relationship – SWI |publisher=Swissinfo.ch |date=24 January 2013 |access-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924112529/http://www.swissinfo.ch/directdemocracy/48th-solothurn-film-festival_examining-a-martha-daughter-relationship/34795316 |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref><ref>In a 2001 article about Martha Argerich for ''[[The New Yorker]]'', critic [[Alex Ross (music critic)|Alex Ross]] wrote: "Argerich brings to bear qualities that are seldom contained in one person: she is a pianist of brain-teasing technical agility; she is a charismatic woman with an enigmatic reputation; she is an unaffected interpreter whose native language is music. This last may be the quality that sets her apart. A lot of pianists play huge double octaves; a lot of pianists photograph well. But few have the unerring naturalness of phrasing that allows them to embody the music rather than interpret it."</ref> Her performance of [[Piano Concerto No. 1 (Liszt)|Liszt's First Piano Concerto]] conducted by [[Daniel Barenboim]] at [[BBC Proms|The Proms]] 2016 prompted this review in ''[[The Guardian]]'': "It was an unforgettable performance. Argerich celebrated her 75th birthday in June this year, but that news doesn't seem to have reached her fingers. Her playing is still as dazzling, as frighteningly precise, as it has always been; her ability to spin gossamer threads of melody as matchless as ever. This was unmistakably and unashamedly Liszt in the grand manner, a bit old-fashioned and sometimes even a bit vulgar at times, but in this of all concertos, with Barenboim and the orchestra following each twist and turn, every little quickening and moment of expressive reflection, it seemed entirely appropriate".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/18/west-eastern-divan-orchestra-barenboim-argerich-review-prom-43-royal-albert-hall |title=West-Eastern Divan Orchestra/Barenboim/Argerich review – extraordinary in every respect|newspaper=The Guardian|date=18 August 2016 |access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref> Argerich returned to the Proms at the age of 78 in 2019 to perform [[Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky|Tchaikovsky]]'s First Piano Concerto under the baton of Barenboim, a performance described as "mesmerizing".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/aug/13/prom-34-west-eastern-divan-orchestra-barenboim-argerich-review|title=Prom 34: West-Eastern Divan Orch/Barenboim/Argerich review – immaculate and mesmerising|first=Andrew|last=Clements|newspaper=The Guardian |date=13 August 2019}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:7th Chopin Competition - Martha Argerich.jpg|thumb|Argerich during a rehearsal with the orchestra for the final of the [[VII International Chopin Piano Competition]], 1965]]
[[File:Martha Argerich presents herself in Tel Aviv.webm|thumb|Argerich introduces herself, 2018]]
Argerich's first marriage was to composer-conductor Robert Chen ({{lang-zh|c=陈亮声 |s=|t=|p=Chén Liàngshēng}}),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.163.com/09/1226/07/5RENQBH5000120GR.html|publisher=News.163.com|title=二十八国华人演奏家"百鸟还巢"|access-date=11 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021200144/http://news.163.com/09/1226/07/5RENQBH5000120GR.html|archive-date=21 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> with whom she had her first child (violinist Lyda Chen-Argerich).<ref>{{cite web |title=Lyda Chen-Argerich, violinist |url=http://www.sensmanagement.com/lyda-chen-argerich_6.html |publisher=Sens Management |access-date=2 July 2014 |archive-date=3 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003111408/http://www.sensmanagement.com/lyda-chen-argerich_6.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The marriage was dissolved after several months, in 1964.<ref name="People1980" /> From 1969 to 1973, Argerich was married to Swiss conductor [[Charles Dutoit]], with whom she had her second daughter, Annie Dutoit. Although they separated in 1973, Argerich and Dutoit continued to collaborate. In the 1970s, Argerich had a relationship with American pianist [[Stephen Kovacevich]],<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/features/article/martha-argerich-speaks-to-stephen-kovacevich-gramophone-november-2008-with-jeremy-nicholas |title=Martha Argerich Speaks to Stephen Kovacevich|website=Gramophone.co.uk | date=November 2008 | access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref> with whom she had her third daughter, Stéphanie.<ref name="People1980">{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20076190,00.html |title=A Top Woman Pianist, Martha Argerich, Nearly Gave Up Her Steinway for Steno |last1=Hauptfuhrer |first1=Fred |last2=Vespa |first2=Mary |date=7 April 1980 |publisher=people.com |access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Although they made few recordings together during their relationship, Argerich and Kovacevich still frequently perform together.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=7 October 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_AVhqab1hE |title=Martha Argerich e Stephen Kovacevich – Leffest 2018 |publisher=Lisbon & Sintra Film Festival |via=YouTube |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127034050/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_AVhqab1hE |archive-date=27 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Stéphanie Argerich explains in her film ''{{ill|Argerich – Bloody Daughter|de}}'' that as her parents were not married, they tossed a coin to name their daughter, for which Argerich won the toss. Argerich brought her children up in a manner described by Annie Dutoit as "bohemian";<ref>{{cite AV media |date=27 June 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtJngu0XboM |title=Martha Argerich en concert privé – private concert [SSTEN, SSTFR, SSTDE] – ARTE Concert |publisher=ARTE Concert |via=YouTube |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907180332/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtJngu0XboM |archive-date=7 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Argerich preferred her children to stay at home rather than go to school and regularly hosted young musicians in her home and practiced through the night.<ref name="Bloody Daughter" />

Argerich is a [[Multilingualism|polyglot]] and can speak [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[French language|French]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[German language|German]], [[English language|English]], and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]].<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DALYVYGaslA|title=2012 Verbier Festival – interview#16 – Martha Argerich|date=14 August 2012|publisher=[[medici.tv]]|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907175939/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DALYVYGaslA|archive-date=7 September 2021|url-status=live|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcyc0W0UpME|title=Martha Argerich – RARE – Interview & rehearsal – Hamburg Laeiszhalle|date=11 April 2021|publisher=musicbox78nrw|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907172735/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcyc0W0UpME|archive-date=7 September 2021|url-status=live|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yoj84wDpf2g|title=RSI – INTERVISTA A MARTHA ARGERICH|date=24 November 2012|publisher=Gerardo Nardelli|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907185152/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yoj84wDpf2g|archive-date=7 September 2021|url-status=live|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsB4LbBHQ08| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212053251/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsB4LbBHQ08| archive-date=12 December 2019 | url-status=dead|title=Nelson Freire e Marta Argerich tocando Racmaninoff Opus 2 ppara duas maos|date=31 January 2019|publisher=Daniel De Nardi|access-date=3 October 2021|via=YouTube}}</ref> Although her [[first language|mother tongue]] is Spanish, she brought her children up speaking French.<ref name="Bloody Daughter" /> She has lived in Argentina, Belgium, Switzerland, and France, and holds [[citizenship]] for Switzerland and Argentina.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newwavefilms.co.uk/assets/976/ARGERICH_pressbook_update|title=Argerich (Bloody Daughter)|website=Newwavefilms.co.uk|access-date=11 July 2020|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307080610/http://www.newwavefilms.co.uk/assets/976/ARGERICH_pressbook_update|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Argerich has never been connected to any political party.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.clarin.com/politica/reverso-real-video-martha-argerich-tocando-marcha-peronista_0_0V6VPbYwe.html|title=No, no es real este video de Martha Argerich tocando la marcha peronista|website=Clarin.com|date=7 September 2019}}</ref> However, she stated in a 2019 interview that she is strongly against [[capital punishment]] and admires the French politician [[Robert Badinter]], who enacted the abolition of the death penalty in France.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=4 June 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj3QJqIBI9M |title=Martha Argerich, in her own words (with English Subtitles) |publisher=Argerich Vault |via=YouTube |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907172720/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj3QJqIBI9M |archive-date=7 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Her friend, the pianist [[Daniel Barenboim]], stated that when he contacted the Argentine president [[Mauricio Macri]] in 2016, asking him to accept [[Refugees of the Syrian civil war|Syrian refugees]] into the country, it was also on behalf of Argerich.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/16/daniel-barenboim-on-ageing-mistakes-and-why-israel-and-iran-are-twin-brothers|title=Daniel Barenboim on ageing, mistakes and why Israel and Iran are twin brothers|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=16 August 2016}}</ref> Argerich advocated for a Russian pianist who was imprisoned after criticizing [[Vladimir Putin]], and paid "tribute to an Israeli pianist being held [[Gaza war hostage crisis|hostage in Gaza]]".<ref name="v160">{{cite web |last=Hernández |first=Javier C. |date=2025-04-01 |title=Martha Argerich, the Elusive, Enigmatic 'Goddess' of the Piano |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/arts/music/martha-argerich-piano.html |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

In 1990, Argerich was diagnosed with [[Melanoma|malignant melanoma]]. After treatment, the cancer went into [[Remission (medicine)|remission]], but it recurred in 1995 and [[metastasis|metastasized]] to her lungs, pancreas, liver, brain, and lymph nodes. Following an experimental treatment at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in [[Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica]] pioneered by oncologist [[Donald Morton]], Argerich's cancer went into remission again. In gratitude, Argerich performed a recital at [[Carnegie Hall]] benefiting the institute.<ref>Toronto Globe and Mail, concert review, 28 March 2000</ref> {{As of|2023}}, Argerich remains cancer-free.<ref name="washingtonpost.com" /> In August 2023 she was forced to cancel several concerts in Germany and Switzerland due to an undisclosed illness.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 9, 2023 |title=The Local |url=https://www.thelocal.de/20230809/piano-great-martha-argerich-cancels-german-and-swiss-shows-over-illness|website=Thelocal.de}}</ref>

== Media ==
In 2002, director {{ill|Georges Gachot|de}} released ''Martha Argerich: Conversation nocturne'' ''(Martha Argerich: Evening Talks)'', a documentary film about Argerich.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384318/|title=Martha Argerich, conversation nocturne|website=IMDb.com}}</ref> Stéphanie Argerich Blagojevic, using film she had shot since childhood, directed a 2012 documentary film about her mother, titled ''Bloody Daughter''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/30/argerich-film-review-classical-pianist-music-documentary | title=Argerich review – a daughter's honest portrait of her classical-pianist mother | newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | author=Leslie Felperin | date=30 April 2015 | access-date=24 July 2015}}</ref>

In September 2025, an interview with Argerich appeared on the YouTube podcast ''fortissimo'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtYx8gUFqjQ|title=Nocturne with a Legend|website=youtube.com |date=7 September 2025 }}</ref> hosted by young Swiss pianists Lucas Chiche and David Chen Argerich - the latter being Argerich's grandson.

== Awards ==
* [[Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition]]: 1st prize (1957)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.concorsobusoni.it/en-94-1984.aspx |title=Storia del Concorso – Fondazione Concorso Pianistico Internazionale Ferruccio Busoni |publisher=Concorsobusoni.it |access-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114090627/http://www.concorsobusoni.it/en-94-1984.aspx |archive-date=14 November 2009 }}</ref>
* [[Geneva International Music Competition]]: 1st prize (1957)
* [[VII International Chopin Piano Competition]]: 1st prize (1965)
* [[Arrau Medal|Claudio Arrau Memorial Medal]] (1997)
* Diamond [[Konex Award]] (1999) as the most important classical musician of the decade in Argentina
*[[Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with orchestra)]]:
**[[Charles Dutoit]] (conductor), Martha Argerich, and the [[Montreal Symphony Orchestra]] for ''[[Sergei Prokofiev|Prokofiev]]: Piano Concertos [[Piano Concerto No. 1 (Prokofiev)|Nos. 1]] and [[Piano Concerto No. 3 (Prokofiev)|3]]'' / ''[[Béla Bartók|Bartók]]'': ''[[Piano Concerto No. 3 (Bartók)|Piano Concerto No. 3]]'' ([[42nd Grammy Awards|2000]])
* [[Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance]]:
**Martha Argerich and [[Mikhail Pletnev]] for ''[[Sergei Prokofiev|Prokofiev]] (Arr. Pletnev): Cinderella Suite for Two Pianos / [[Maurice Ravel|Ravel]]'': ''[[Ma mère l'Oye|Ma mere l'Oye]]'' ([[47th Grammy Awards|2005]])
* [[Order of the Rising Sun#4th Class, Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette|The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette]] (2005) Japan
* [[Praemium Imperiale]] (2005) Japan
* [[Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with orchestra)]]:
**[[Claudio Abbado]] (conductor), Martha Argerich, and the [[Mahler Chamber Orchestra]] for ''Beethoven: Piano Concertos [[Piano Concerto No. 2 (Beethoven)|Nos. 2]] and [[Piano Concerto No. 3 (Beethoven)|3]]'' ([[48th Grammy Awards|2006]])
* Voted into ''[[Gramophone (magazine)|Gramophone]]''{{'}}s [[Gramophone Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] (2012)<ref>{{cite web|title=Gramophone Hall of Fame : Artists Page|url=http://www.gramophone.co.uk/HallofFame/ArtistPage/Argerich|publisher=Gramophone.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref>
* Recipient of [[The Kennedy Center Honors]] (2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kennedy-center.org/pages/specialevents/honors |title=The Kennedy Center Honors |website=Kennedy-center.org |access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref>
* Recipient of [[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]] (2018)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/18425 | title=Concerto in onore di Zubin Mehta | publisher=Presidenza della Repubblica (Italy) | date=24 October 2018 | access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref>
* Recipient of the [[Legion of Honour|National Order of the Legion of Honour]] (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title=Martha Argerich y Daniel Barenboim fueron condecorados por el presidente de Francia con la Legión de Honor |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/espectaculos/musica/martha-argerich-y-daniel-barenboim-fueron-condecorados-por-el-presidente-de-francia-con-la-legion-de-nid12122023/ |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=LA NACION |language=es}}</ref>
* Recipient of [[National Order of Faithful Service]] by the [[Romania]]n Presidency (2025)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-28 |title=Romania decorates renowned pianist Martha Argerich |url=https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-decorates-renowned-pianist-martha-argerich-2025 |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=Romania Insider |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Main-belt asteroid]] [[List of minor planets: 56001–57000#067|56067 Argerich]] named by the [[International Astronomical Union]] (2025)<ref name="asteroid">{{cite journal |url=https://www.wgsbn-iau.org/files/Bulletins/V005/WGSBNBull_V005_017.pdf#%5B%7B%22num%22%3A724%2C%22gen%22%3A0%7D%2C%7B%22name%22%3A%22XYZ%22%7D%2C61.2%2C434.65%2C0%5D |author=[[International Astronomical Union]] |title=New Names of Minor Planets |journal=WGSBN Bulletin |volume=5 |number=17 |date=21 July 2025 |access-date=21 July 2025 |quote=Martha Argerich (b. 1941) is a world-renowned Argentine pianist celebrated for her virtuosity and passionate performances. She began playing the piano at an early age and trained both in her home country and in Europe. Her unique style and energetic stage presence have made her an iconic figure in contemporary classical music.}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Music}}
*[[Great Pianists of the 20th Century – Martha Argerich]]
*[[Great Pianists of the 20th Century – Martha Argerich II]]
*[[List of Argentines]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=n}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061214163619/http://www.andrys.com/argerich.html "Argerich—Discography," (August 11, 1999)]
*[http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2001/11/12/011112crmu_music Ross, Alex; 'Madame X', November 12, 2001], a profile of Argerich in ''[[The New Yorker]]''
*[http://www.gachot.ch/gachot_argerich.html ''Martha Argerich, evening talks''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019011031/http://www.gachot.ch/gachot_argerich.html |date=19 October 2019 }}, the award-winning documentary film about Argerich by [http://www.gachot.ch/l ''Georges Gachot'']{{Dead link|date=December 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} – ([http://imdb.com/title/tt0384318/ imdb link])
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101205130955/http://www.andrys.com/argerich/ar-orga.html Orga, Ates, ''River Plate Queen'' (1978, 2006)], an interview with Argerich first published in the 1979 ''International Music Guide''
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080430051325/http://www.argerich-mf.jp/english.html MUSIC FESTIVAL Argerich's Meeting Point in Beppu], a music festival sponsored by the Argerich Arts Foundation of [[Beppu, Ōita|Beppu, Japan]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050305073845/http://www.rtsi.ch/trasm/argerich/welcome.cfm?lng=1 The Martha Argerich Project]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110612055413/http://andrys.com/argerich/ Argerich Music news, concert schedule, articles, recordings]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100408052855/http://home.swipnet.se/bjorn_ostlund/argerich_repertoire.htm Argerich's repertoire through the years]
*[http://www.cosmopolis.ch/english/cosmo14/argerich.htm Martha Argerich biography, CD and concert review by cosmopolis.ch]
*[http://www.euronews.net/2009/06/15/martha-argerich-project-brings-talent-to-lugano/ Martha Argerich Project Brings Talent to Lugano] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217103729/http://www.euronews.net/2009/06/15/martha-argerich-project-brings-talent-to-lugano/ |date=17 February 2012 }} by ''Euro News'', 15 June 2009

{{Winners of the Chopin Competition}}
{{Kennedy Center Honorees 2010s}}
{{Gramophone Hall of Fame}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Argerich, Martha}}
[[Category:1941 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century Argentine musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century classical pianists]]
[[Category:20th-century Argentine classical musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Argentine women musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Argentine classical pianists]]
[[Category:Argentine people of Catalan descent]]
[[Category:Argentine people of Russian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:Argentine women pianists]]
[[Category:Child classical musicians]]
[[Category:Deutsche Grammophon artists]]
[[Category:EMI Classics and Virgin Classics artists]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Honorary members of the Royal Academy of Music]]
[[Category:Members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music]]
[[Category:Illustrious Citizens of Buenos Aires]]
[[Category:International Chopin Piano Competition winners]]
[[Category:Jewish Argentine musicians]]
[[Category:Jewish classical pianists]]
[[Category:Jewish women musicians]]
[[Category:Kennedy Center honorees]]
[[Category:Musicians from Buenos Aires]]
[[Category:Prize-winners of the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition]]
[[Category:Pupils of Maria Curcio]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th class]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Praemium Imperiale]]
[[Category:Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medallists]]
[[Category:Women classical pianists]]
[[Category:Winners of the Geneva International Music Competition]]
[[Category:Decca Records artists]]
[[Category:20th-century women pianists]]
[[Category:21st-century women pianists]]