Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 ("Pastoral"), was transcribed several times; the version played here is by 19th century composer Selmar Bagge, and doubtless, many people heard the work for the first time through this medium. The seemingly indestructible Martha Argerich takes the lead part here, and the results are marvelous. Martha Argerich plays the "Pastoral" Symphony! A gift for the Argerich fan who has everything. Bagge's version takes steps to make the work pianistic, and Argerich steps up to the challenge; right from the entrancing opening measures of the first movement, the reading has the well-sculpted quality of a great symphonic performance. The second part is played by pianist Theodosia Ntokou, a protégée of Argerich's, and for many listeners, the big news here will be that the performance of the Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 ("Tempest"), is not by Argerich but by Ntokou, who emerges as influenced by Argerich but not a clone. She offers a fine, distinctive "Tempest" that dials back the drama in the outer movements and places the slow movement front and center in a fantasy-like treatment. It's an unorthodox reading that's fully thought out, and it adds to the evidence that Argerich may have found her successor. An entirely absorbing and delightful recording.