wiki143 - User contributions [en]

Positronium

2025-06-29T21:26:50Z

147.147.21.161: Fixed typo

{{Short description|Bound state of an electron and positron}}
{{distinguish|Protonium}}
{{About|the exotic atom|the hydrogen isotope|Isotopes of hydrogen#Hydrogen-1 (protium)}}
[[File:Positronium.svg|thumb|200px|right|An [[electron]] and [[positron]] orbiting around their common [[centre of mass]]. An s state has zero angular momentum, so orbiting around each other would mean going straight at each other until the pair of particles is either scattered or annihilated, whichever occurs first. This is a [[Bound state|bound quantum state]] known as '''positronium'''.]]
{{Antimatter}}

'''Positronium''' ('''Ps''') is a system consisting of an [[electron]] and its [[antimatter|anti-particle]], a [[positron]], bound together into an [[exotic atom]], specifically an [[onium]]. Unlike hydrogen, the system has no [[proton]]s. The system is unstable: the two particles annihilate each other to predominantly produce two or three [[gamma-ray]]s, depending on the relative spin states. The [[energy level]]s of the two particles are similar to that of the [[hydrogen atom]] (which is a bound state of a [[proton]] and an electron). However, because of the reduced mass, the [[frequency|frequencies]] of the [[spectral line]]s are less than half of those for the corresponding hydrogen lines.

==States==

The mass of positronium is 1.022 MeV, which is twice the electron mass minus the binding energy of a few eV. The lowest energy orbital state of positronium is 1S, and like with hydrogen, it has a [[hyperfine structure]] arising from the relative orientations of the spins of the electron and the positron.

The [[Singlet state|''singlet'' state]], {{SubatomicParticle|para-positronium}}, with [[Antiparallel vectors|antiparallel]] [[Spin (physics)|spin]]s ([[spin quantum number|''S'']] = 0, ''Ms'' = 0) is known as ''para''-positronium (''p''-Ps). It has a mean lifetime of {{val|0.12|ul=ns}} and decays preferentially into two gamma rays with energy of {{val|511|ul=keV}} each (in the [[center-of-mass frame]]). ''Para''-positronium can decay into any even number of photons (2, 4, 6, ...), but the probability quickly decreases with the number: the [[branching ratio]] for decay into 4 photons is {{val|1.439|(2)|e=-6}}.<ref name="hep-ph0310099">
{{cite journal
|last1=Karshenboim | first1=Savely G.
|date=2003
|title=Precision Study of Positronium: Testing Bound State QED Theory
|doi=10.1142/S0217751X04020142
|journal=International Journal of Modern Physics A
|volume=19
|issue=23
|pages=3879–3896
|arxiv=hep-ph/0310099
|bibcode = 2004IJMPA..19.3879K | s2cid=14848837
}}</ref>

''Para-''positronium lifetime in vacuum is approximately<ref name="hep-ph0310099"/>
<math display="block">t_0 = \frac{2 \hbar}{m_\mathrm{e} c^2 \alpha^5} = 0.1244 ~\mathrm{ns}.</math>

The [[Triplet state|''triplet'' state]]s, 3S1, with [[Parallel (geometry)|parallel]] spins (''S'' = 1, ''Ms'' = −1, 0, 1) are known as ''ortho''-positronium (''o''-Ps), and have an energy that is approximately 0.001 eV higher than the singlet.<ref name="hep-ph0310099"/> These states have a mean lifetime of {{val|142.05|0.02|u=ns}},<ref name="Badertscher">
{{cite journal |first1=A.| last1=Badertscher| first2=P.| last2=Crivelli| first3=W.|last3=Fetscher| first4=U.|last4=Gendotti|first5=S. N.| last5=Gninenko
|first6=V.|last6=Postoev| first7=A.|last7=Rubbia| first8=V.|last8=Samoylenko| first9=D.|last9=Sillou
|year=2007
|title=An Improved Limit on Invisible Decays of Positronium
|journal=[[Physical Review D]]
|volume=75 |pages=032004
|doi=10.1103/PhysRevD.75.032004
|arxiv=hep-ex/0609059
|bibcode=2007PhRvD..75c2004B
|issue=3 |s2cid=9001914}}</ref> and the leading decay is three gammas. Other modes of decay are negligible; for instance, the five-photons mode has branching ratio of ≈{{val||e=-6}}.<ref name="hep-ph9911410">
{{Cite book
|last1=Czarnecki |first1=Andrzej |last2=Karshenboim |first2=Savely G.
|date=2000
|chapter=Decays of Positronium
|editor1-last=Levchenko | editor1-first=B. B.
|editor2-last=Savrin | editor2-first=V. I.
|title=Proceedings of the International Workshop on High Energy Physics and Quantum Field Theory (QFTHEP)
|volume=14
|pages=538–544
|arxiv=hep-ph/9911410
|bibcode = 1999hep.ph...11410C
}}</ref>

''Ortho''-positronium lifetime in vacuum can be calculated approximately as:<ref name="hep-ph0310099"/>
<math display="block">t_1 = \frac{\frac{1}{2} 9 h}{2 m_\mathrm{e} c^2 \alpha^6 (\pi^2 - 9)} = 138.6 ~\mathrm{ns}.</math>

However more accurate calculations with corrections to [[Big O notation|O]](α2) yield a value of {{val|7.040|ul=us}}−1 for the decay rate, corresponding to a lifetime of {{val|142|u=ns}}.<ref name=Kat/><ref name=adk>{{cite journal|last1=Adkins|first1=G. S.|last2=Fell|first2=R. N.|last3=Sapirstein|first3=J.|title=Order α2 Corrections to the Decay Rate of Orthopositronium|journal=Physical Review Letters|date=29 May 2000|volume=84|issue=22|pages=5086–5089|doi=10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.5086|pmid=10990873|arxiv = hep-ph/0003028 |bibcode = 2000PhRvL..84.5086A |s2cid=1165868}}</ref>

Positronium in the 2S state is [[metastable]] having a lifetime of {{val|1100|u=ns}} against [[annihilation]].<ref name="atom-ph150305755">
{{cite journal
|last1=Cooke| first1=D. A. |last2=Crivelli| first2=P. | first3=J. |last3=Alnis| first4=A. |last4=Antognini| first5=B. |last5=Brown| first6=S.
|last6=Friedreich| first7=A. |last7=Gabard| first8=T. W. |last8=Haensch| first9=K. |last9=Kirch| first10=A. |last10=Rubbia| first11=V. |last11=Vrankovic
|year=2015
|title=Observation of positronium annihilation in the 2S state: towards a new measurement of the 1S-2S transition frequency
|doi=10.1007/s10751-015-1158-4
|journal=Hyperfine Interact.
|volume=233
|issue=1–3
|pages=67–73
|arxiv=1503.05755 |bibcode=2015HyInt.233...67C| s2cid=89605682 }}</ref> The positronium created in such an excited state will quickly cascade down to the ground state, where annihilation will occur more quickly.

=== Measurements ===
Measurements of these lifetimes and energy levels have been used in [[precision tests of quantum electrodynamics]], confirming [[quantum electrodynamics]] (QED) predictions to high precision.<ref name="hep-ph0310099" /><ref>
{{cite journal
|last1=Rubbia | first1=A.
|date=2004
|title=Positronium as a probe for new physics beyond the standard model
|doi=10.1142/S0217751X0402021X
|journal=International Journal of Modern Physics A
|volume=19
|issue=23
|pages=3961–3985
|arxiv=hep-ph/0402151
|bibcode = 2004IJMPA..19.3961R | citeseerx=10.1.1.346.5173
| s2cid=119442567
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite journal
|last1=Vetter |first1=P.A. |last2=Freedman |first2=S.J.
|date=2002
|title=Branching-ratio measurements of multiphoton decays of positronium
|journal=[[Physical Review A]]
|volume=66 |pages=052505
|doi=10.1103/PhysRevA.66.052505
|bibcode = 2002PhRvA..66e2505V
|issue=5 |osti=821022 |url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc736097/
}}</ref>

Annihilation can proceed via a number of channels, each producing [[gamma rays]] with total energy of {{val|1022|ul = keV}} (sum of the electron and positron mass-energy), usually 2 or 3, with up to 5 gamma ray photons recorded from a single annihilation.

The annihilation into a [[neutrino]]–antineutrino pair is also possible, but the probability is predicted to be negligible. The branching ratio for ''o''-Ps decay for this channel is {{val|6.2|e=-18}} ([[electron neutrino]]–antineutrino pair) and {{val|9.5|e=-21}} (for other flavour)<ref name="hep-ph9911410" /> in predictions based on the Standard Model, but it can be increased by non-standard neutrino properties, like relatively high [[magnetic moment]]. The experimental upper limits on branching ratio for this decay (as well as for a decay into any "invisible" particles) are <{{val|4.3|e=-7}} for ''p''-Ps and <{{val|4.2|e=-7}} for ''o''-Ps.<ref name="Badertscher" />

== Energy levels ==
{{main|Bohr model#Electron energy levels}}

While precise calculation of positronium energy levels uses the [[Bethe–Salpeter equation]] or the [[Breit equation]], the similarity between positronium and hydrogen allows a rough estimate. In this approximation, the energy levels are different because of a different effective mass, ''μ'', in the energy equation (see [[Bohr model#Electron energy levels|electron energy levels]] for a derivation):
<math display="block">E_n = -\frac{\mu q_\mathrm{e}^4}{8 h^2 \varepsilon_0^2} \frac{1}{n^2},</math>
where:

* {{math|''q''e}} is the [[Elementary charge|charge magnitude]] of the electron (same as the positron),
* {{mvar|h}} is the [[Planck constant]],
* {{math|''ε''0}} is the [[electric constant]] (otherwise known as the permittivity of free space),
* {{mvar|μ}} is the [[reduced mass]]: <math display="block">\mu = \frac{m_\mathrm{e} m_\mathrm{p}}{m_\mathrm{e} + m_\mathrm{p}} = \frac{m_\mathrm{e}^2}{2m_\mathrm{e}} = \frac{m_\mathrm{e}}{2},</math> where {{math|''m''e}} and {{math|''m''p}} are, respectively, the mass of the electron and the positron (which are ''the same'' by definition as antiparticles).

Thus, for positronium, its reduced mass only differs from the electron by a factor of 2. This causes the energy levels to also roughly be half of what they are for the hydrogen atom.

So finally, the energy levels of positronium are given by
<math display="block"> E_n = -\frac{1}{2} \frac{m_\mathrm{e} q_\mathrm{e}^4}{8 h^2 \varepsilon_0^2} \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{-6.8~\mathrm{eV}}{n^2}.</math>

The lowest energy level of positronium ({{math|1=''n'' = 1}}) is {{val|-6.8|u=eV}}. The next level is {{val|-1.7|u=eV}}. The negative sign is a convention that implies a [[bound state]]. Positronium can also be considered by a particular form of the [[Two-body Dirac equations|two-body Dirac equation]]; two particles with a [[Coulomb's law|Coulomb interaction]] can be exactly separated in the (relativistic) [[center-of-momentum frame]] and the resulting ground-state energy has been obtained very accurately using [[finite element method]]s of [[Janine Shertzer]].<ref name="Shertzer"/> Their results lead to the discovery of anomalous states.<ref>
{{cite journal
|last=Patterson |first=Chris W.
|date=2019
|title=Anomalous states of Positronium
|journal=[[Physical Review A]]
|volume=100 |issue=6|pages=062128
|doi=10.1103/PhysRevA.100.062128
|arxiv=2004.06108
|bibcode=2019PhRvA.100f2128P
|s2cid=214017953
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite journal
|last=Patterson |first=Chris W.
|date=2023
|title=Properties of the anomalous states of Positronium
|journal=[[Physical Review A]]
|volume=107 |issue=4|pages=042816
|doi=10.1103/PhysRevA.107.042816
|arxiv=2207.05725
|bibcode=2023PhRvA.107d2816P
}}</ref>
The Dirac equation whose Hamiltonian comprises two Dirac particles and a static Coulomb potential is not relativistically invariant. But if one adds the {{math|{{sfrac|''c''2''n''}}}} (or {{math|''α''2''n''}}, where {{mvar|α}} is the [[fine-structure constant]]) terms, where {{math|''n'' {{=}} 1,2...}}, then the result is relativistically invariant. Only the leading term is included. The {{math|''α''2}} contribution is the Breit term; workers rarely go to {{math|''α''4}} because at {{math|''α''3}} one has the Lamb shift, which requires quantum electrodynamics.<ref name="Shertzer">
{{cite journal
|last1=Scott |first1=T.C. |last2=Shertzer |first2=J. |author2-link= Janine Shertzer |last3=Moore |first3=R.A.
|date=1992
|title=Accurate finite element solutions of the two-body Dirac equation
|journal=[[Physical Review A]]
|volume=45 |pages=4393–4398
|doi=10.1103/PhysRevA.45.4393
|bibcode=1992PhRvA..45.4393S |pmid=9907514 |issue=7
}}</ref>

== Formation and decay in materials ==
After a radioactive atom in a material undergoes a [[beta decay|β+ decay]] (positron emission), the resulting high-energy positron slows down by colliding with atoms, and eventually annihilates with one of the many electrons in the material. It may however first form positronium before the annihilation event. The understanding of this process is of some importance in [[positron emission tomography]]. Approximately:<ref name="Harpen2003">{{cite journal|last1=Harpen|first1=Michael D.|title=Positronium: Review of symmetry, conserved quantities and decay for the radiological physicist|journal=Medical Physics|volume=31|issue=1|year=2003|pages=57–61|issn=0094-2405|doi=10.1118/1.1630494|pmid=14761021}}</ref><ref name="pmid30641509">{{cite journal|vauthors=Moskal P, Kisielewska D, Curceanu C, Czerwiński E, Dulski K, Gajos A | display-authors=etal| title=Feasibility study of the positronium imaging with the J-PET tomograph. | journal=Phys Med Biol | year= 2019 | volume= 64 | issue= 5 | pages= 055017 | pmid=30641509 | doi=10.1088/1361-6560/aafe20 | arxiv=1805.11696| bibcode=2019PMB....64e5017M| doi-access=free }}</ref>
* ~60% of positrons will directly annihilate with an electron without forming positronium. The annihilation usually results in two gamma rays. In most cases this direct annihilation occurs only after the positron has lost its excess kinetic energy and has thermalized with the material.
* ~10% of positrons form ''para''-positronium, which then promptly (in ~0.12 ns) decays, usually into two gamma rays.
* ~30% of positrons form ''ortho''-positronium but then annihilate within a few nanoseconds by 'picking off' another nearby electron with opposing spin. This usually produces two gamma rays. During this time, the very lightweight positronium atom exhibits a strong zero-point motion, that exerts a pressure and is able to push out a tiny nanometer-sized bubble in the medium.
* Only ~0.5% of positrons form ''ortho''-positronium that self-decays (usually into ''three'' gamma rays). This natural decay rate of ''ortho''-positronium is relatively slow (~140 ns decay lifetime), compared to the aforementioned pick-off process, which is why the three-gamma decay rarely occurs.

== History ==

[[File:Positronium Beam.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The Positronium Beam at [[University College London]], a lab used to study the properties of positronium.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=N.|first1=Zafar|last2=G.|first2=Laricchia|last3=M.|first3=Charlton|last4=T.C.|first4=Griffith|date=1991|title=Diagnostics of a positronium beam|url=https://inis.iaea.org/search/search.aspx?orig_q=RN:23020661|journal=Journal of Physics B|language=en|volume=24|issue=21|page=4661|doi=10.1088/0953-4075/24/21/016|bibcode=1991JPhB...24.4661Z|s2cid=250896764 |issn=0953-4075}}</ref>]]

The Croatian physicist [[Stjepan Mohorovičić]] predicted the existence of positronium in a 1934 article published in ''[[Astronomische Nachrichten]]'', in which he called it the "electrum".<ref>
{{cite journal
|last=Mohorovičić |first=S.
|date=1934
|journal=[[Astronomische Nachrichten]]
|volume=253 |pages=93–108
|doi=10.1002/asna.19342530402
|title=Möglichkeit neuer Elemente und ihre Bedeutung für die Astrophysik
|issue=4
|bibcode = 1934AN....253...93M }}</ref> Other sources incorrectly credit [[Carl David Anderson|Carl Anderson]] as having predicted its existence in 1932 while at [[Caltech]].<ref name="DeutschObit">
{{cite press release
|publisher=MIT
|year=2002
|title=Martin Deutsch, MIT physicist who discovered positronium, dies at 85
|url=https://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2002/deutsch.html
}}</ref> It was experimentally discovered by [[Martin Deutsch]] at [[MIT]] in 1951 and became known as positronium.<ref name="DeutschObit"/> Many subsequent experiments have precisely measured its properties and verified predictions of quantum electrodynamics.

A discrepancy known as the ortho-positronium lifetime puzzle persisted for some time, but was resolved with further calculations and measurements.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2003/may/28/positronium-puzzle-is-solved|title = Positronium puzzle is solved|last = Dumé |first = Belle|date = May 23, 2003|work = [[Physics World]]}}</ref> Measurements were in error because of the lifetime measurement of unthermalised positronium, which was produced at only a small rate. This had yielded lifetimes that were too long. Also calculations using relativistic quantum electrodynamics are difficult, so they had been done to only the first order. Corrections that involved higher orders were then calculated in a non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics.<ref name="Kat">{{cite journal|last1=Kataoka|first1=Y.|last2=Asai|first2=S.|last3=Kobayashi|first3=t.|title=First Test of O(α2) Correction of the Orthopositronium Decay Rate|journal=Physics Letters B|volume=671|issue=2|pages=219–223|url=https://www.icepp.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/papers/ps/icepp-report/ut-icepp-08-09.pdf|year=2009|bibcode=2009PhLB..671..219K|arxiv=0809.1594|doi=10.1016/j.physletb.2008.12.008}}</ref>

In 2024, the [[AEgIS experiment|AEgIS]] collaboration at [[CERN]] was the first to cool positronium by laser light, leaving it available for experimental use. The substance was brought to {{Convert|-100|C}} using [[laser cooling]].<ref>
{{cite journal
|last=Glöggler |first=L. T.
|date=2024
|journal=[[Physical Review Letters]]
|volume=132 |pages=083402
|doi=10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.083402
|title=Positronium Laser Cooling via the 13S−23P Transition with a Broadband Laser Pulse
|issue=8
|pmid=38457696
|bibcode = |doi-access=free
|hdl=11311/1261341
|hdl-access=free
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ghosh |first=Pallab |date=2024-02-22 |title=Antimatter: Scientists freeze positronium atoms with lasers |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-68349448 |access-date=2024-02-23 |work=[[BBC]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Exotic compounds ==

Molecular bonding was predicted for positronium.<ref>
{{cite journal
|title=Signature of the existence of the positronium molecule
|arxiv=physics/9804023
|last1=Usukura | first1=J.
|last2=Varga | first2=K.
|last3=Suzuki | first3=Y.
|date=1998
| doi=10.1103/PhysRevA.58.1918
| volume=58
| issue=3
| journal=Physical Review A
| pages=1918–1931
|bibcode=1998PhRvA..58.1918U|s2cid=11941483
}}</ref> Molecules of [[positronium hydride]] (PsH) can be made.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/accomplishments/files/BES_Accomp_FY1992.pdf|page=9|title="Out of This World" Chemical Compound Observed|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012090920/http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/accomplishments/files/BES_Accomp_FY1992.pdf|archive-date=2009-10-12}}</ref> Positronium can also form a cyanide and can form bonds with halogens or lithium.<ref name="Saito">{{cite journal|last=Saito|first=Shiro L.|date=2000|title=Is Positronium Hydride Atom or Molecule?|journal=Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B|volume=171|pages=60–66|doi=10.1016/s0168-583x(00)00005-7|bibcode = 2000NIMPB.171...60S|issue=1–2}}</ref>

The first observation of [[di-positronium]] ({{chem2|Ps2}}) [[molecule]]s—molecules consisting of two positronium atoms—was reported on 12 September 2007 by David Cassidy and Allen Mills from [[University of California, Riverside]].<ref>
{{cite journal
|last1=Cassidy |first1=D.B. |last2=Mills |first2=A.P. (Jr.)
|date=2007
|title=The production of molecular positronium
|journal=[[Nature (journal)|Nature]]
|volume=449 |pages=195–197
|doi=10.1038/nature06094
|pmid=17851519
|issue=7159
|bibcode = 2007Natur.449..195C |s2cid=11269624 }}</ref><ref>
{{cite journal
|author=Surko, C.
|date=2007
|title=A whiff of antimatter soup
|journal=Nature
|volume=449
|issue=7159
|pages=153–155
|doi=10.1038/449153a|pmid=17851505
|s2cid=8153916
|doi-access=free
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.physorg.com/news108822085.html
|publisher=[[Physorg.com]]
|title=Molecules of positronium observed in the lab for the first time
|access-date=2007-09-07
}}</ref>

Unlike [[muonium]], positronium does not have a nucleus analogue, because the electron and the positron have equal masses.<ref name=barnabas/> Consequently, while muonium tends to behave like a light isotope of hydrogen,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rhodes |first1=Christopher J. |date=2012 |title=Muonium–the second radioisotope of hydrogen: a remarkable and unique radiotracer in the chemical, materials, biological and environmental sciences |journal=Science Progress |volume=95 |issue=2 |pages=101–174 |doi=10.3184/003685012X13336424471773 |pmid=22893978 |pmc=10365539 }}</ref> positronium shows large differences in size, polarisability, and binding energy from hydrogen.<ref name=barnabas>{{cite journal |last1=Barnabas |first1=Mary V. |last2=Venkateswaran |first2=Krishnan |last3=Walker |first3=David C. |date=January 1989 |title=Comparison of muonium and positronium with hydrogen atoms in their reactions towards solutes containing amide and peptide linkages in water and micelle solutions |journal=Canadian Journal of Chemistry |volume=67 |issue=1 |pages=120–126 |doi=10.1139/v89-020 |doi-access=free |bibcode=1989CaJCh..67..120B }}</ref>

== Natural occurrence ==

The [[timeline of the early universe|events]] in the early universe leading to [[baryon asymmetry]] predate [[recombination (cosmology)|the formation of atoms]] (including exotic varieties such as positronium) by around a third of a million years, so no positronium atoms occurred then.

Likewise, the naturally occurring positrons in the present day result from high-energy interactions such as in [[cosmic ray]]–atmosphere interactions, and so are too hot (thermally energetic) to form electrical bonds before [[annihilation]].

== See also ==
* [[Breit equation]]
* [[Antiprotonic helium]]
* [[Di-positronium]]
* [[Exciton]] — solid-state analog
* [[Protonium]]
* [[Quantum electrodynamics]]
* [[Two-body Dirac equations]]
* [[Quarkonium]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/III_18.html#Ch18-S3 The annihilation of positronium - The Feynman Lectures on Physics]
* [https://www.universetoday.com/10584/the-search-for-positronium/ The Search for Positronium]
* [https://news.mit.edu/2002/deutsch Obituary of Martin Deutsch, discoverer of Positronium]

{{particles}}
{{QED}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Molecular physics]]
[[Category:Quantum electrodynamics]]
[[Category:Spintronics]]
[[Category:Onia]]
[[Category:Antimatter]]
[[Category:Substances discovered in the 1950s]]

Aonach Eagach

2025-06-03T19:01:34Z

147.147.21.161:

{{Short description|Mountain ridge in the Scottish Highlands}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Aonach Eagach
| photo = Aggy ridge.jpg
| photo_caption = The Aonach Eagach above the A82 road, looking up Glen Coe
| elevation_m = 967.7
| elevation_ref = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hill-bagging.co.uk/mountaindetails.php?qu=M&rf=1003 |title=Aonach Eagach |author= |year=2019 |publisher=Hill Bagging - the online version of the Database of British and Irish Hills (DoBIH) |access-date=19 June 2019}}</ref>
| prominence_m = 623
| prominence_ref =
| parent_peak = [[Ben Alder]]
| listing = [[Munro]], [[Marilyn (hill)|Marilyn]]
| translation = notched ridge
| language = [[Scottish Gaelic language|Gaelic]]
| pronunciation = {{IPA|gd|ˈɯːnəx ˈekəx ˈs̪kɔɾ nəm ˈfian̪ˠɪ||Aonach Eagach.ogg}}
<ref>{{Cite episode| title = Aonach Eagach| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aE4Z3_Q0N0|via=[[YouTube]]| series = The Munro Show
| credits = Presenter: [[Muriel Gray]], with pronunciation by [[Sorley MacLean]] | station = [[STV (TV network)|STV]] | airdate = 1991
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Aonach Eagach|url=http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/aonacheagach.shtml|work=walkhighlands|access-date=30 January 2011}}</ref>
| location = [[Glen Coe]], Scotland
| range = [[Grampian Mountains]]
| grid_ref_UK = NN141583
| topo = [[Ordnance Survey|OS]] ''Landranger'' 41
| first_ascent =
| easiest_route =
}}
The {{langnf|gd|'''Aonach Eagach'''|notched ridge}} is a large mountain [[ridge]] in the [[Scottish Highlands]], marking the northern edge of [[Glen Coe]]. It stretches east–west for several miles and includes two [[Munro]] summits: '''Sgùrr nam Fiannaidh''' at 967 m (3,175 ft) high, and '''Meall Dearg''' at 952 m (3,124 ft) high. The ridge is very rocky and the route along it requires [[scrambling]] ability. The slopes to each side are extremely dangerous, with steep grass-and-scree slopes hiding even steeper slopes which end in cliffs on both north and south sides of the ridge.

==Climbing==
[[File:Aonach Eagach - geograph.org.uk - 2525913.jpg|thumb|left|Meall Dearg]]
{{GB summits start}}
{{GB summits entry
|Name= Sgorr nam Fiannaidh
|Gridref=NN14065830
|Height=967.7 m (3,175 ft)
|Status=[[Munro]]}}
{{GB summits entry
|Name=Meall Dearg
|Gridref=NN16135835
|Height=952.2 m (3,124 ft)
|Status=[[Munro]]}}{{end}}

The Aonach Eagach is usually regarded as the most difficult horizontal '[[scrambling]]' ridge in mainland Scotland, though it vies with [[Liathach]] (and, in winter, [[An Teallach]]) for this title. In his book "Scrambles in Lochaber", local climber Noel Williams warns that there are no other ridges in the area that are "so narrow and so difficult to escape from once committed. Some sections are extremely exposed. This makes it a difficult outing to grade, because the technical difficulties are not great".<ref name=williams1996p88>{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Noel|title=Scrambles in Lochaber|year=1996|publisher=Cicerone Press Ltd|location=Milnthorpe, Cumbria, UK|isbn=978-1-85284-234-5|page=88}}</ref> Williams settled on grade 2,<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to scramble Aonach Eagach - The British Mountaineering Council |url=https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/how-to-scramble-aonach-eagach |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=www.thebmc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> implying it is easier than the (optional) grade 2/3 approach scramble up A'Chailleach, but added a further warning (in bold type) that "there are no safe descents on the south side of the ridge".<ref name=williams1996p90>{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Noel|title=Scrambles in Lochaber|year=1996|publisher=Cicerone Press Ltd|location=Milnthorpe, Cumbria, UK|isbn=978-1-85284-234-5|page=90}}</ref>

The Aonach Eagach is normally tackled from the Glen Coe (south) side in an east–west traverse. The best parking for this scrambling route is located just off the A82 at grid reference NN 17335674.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aonach Eagach Scramble |url=https://www.ukscrambles.com/scotland-scrambles/aonach-eagach/ |website=UK Scrambles |access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref> From Allt-na-reigh near the head of Glen Coe a good path ascends Am Bodach (a subsidiary [[Munro]] top) and continues westwards along the ridge to the first Munro proper, [[Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach)|Meall Dearg]].

From here the summit of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh lies only two kilometres to the west, but a number of pinnacles must be scrambled over, and it is not uncommon for parties to take more than two hours to cross this short distance. There are a couple of sections where the use of a [[rope]] may prove prudent.{{More detail needed}}

In winter, the ridge is a fine expedition,{{According to whom|date=December 2024}} though considerably harder than in summer ([[Scottish winter grade|Scottish Winter Grade]] I/II), and many parties will go roped for some sections. Because of the short winter days, benightment on the ridge or its approaches is also not infrequent.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

Competent summer scramblers have plenty of time to reverse the ridge and descend Am Bodach, saving a walk back up the glen.<ref name="williams1996p90"/>

From Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, the most direct descent is to head south by southwest, down a steep zig-zag [[Trail|path]] leading by the side of Clachaig [[gully]]. This 'path' is exceptionally steep and extremely loose in places, and has many small rock steps; it approaches close to the main gully in several places and so is potentially dangerous (fatal accidents have occurred here). A gentler alternative is to continue along the ridge, until reaching the [[Mountain pass|bealach]] between Sgorr nam Fiannaidh and the [[Pap of Glencoe]]. From here a track heads down the hillside, ending on the road just outside [[Glencoe, Scotland|Glencoe village]]. It is also possible to retreat approximately 200 m east from the summit of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh and descend directly down the scree slope to Loch Achtriochtan, taking care to avoid being drawn into gullies further down. This descent also requires care, particularly near the top, but is still far safer than the Clachaig Gully descent.

Alternatively, the two Munros may be climbed individually by simply descending by the route of ascent. However it is for the [[Traverse (climbing)|traverse]] that the Aonach Eagach is best known.

=== Incidents ===
Hill walkers are urged to use caution when attempting Aonach Eagach, and fatalities on the route are not unknown.

* In summer 2009, two experienced hill walkers were fatally injured in separate incidents after falling into the Clachaig Gully along the ridge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=grough — Second ridge walker's death prompts safety calls |url=https://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2009/07/19/second-ridge-walkers-death-prompts-safety-calls |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=www.grough.co.uk}}</ref>
* In September 2014, experienced hill walker Lisa MacDermid fell nearly 492 feet while hiking the ridge when she was fatally injured.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-09-25 |title=Lisa MacDermid of Crieff dies in fall from ridge |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-29364713 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* In July 2016, a hill walker from Aberdeen fell while walking the Aonach Eagach ridge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-07-27 |title=Walker who fell to death in Glen Coe was from Aberdeen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-36902790 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* In August 2017, experienced fell runner Stuart Thompson fell 20 to 30m to his death in the Clachaig Gully on the western end on Aonach Eagach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=grough — Stuart Thompson named as man who fell to his death on Glen Coe's Aonach Eagach |url=https://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2017/08/04/stuart-thompson-named-as-man-who-fell-to-his-death-on-glen-coes-aonach-eagach |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=www.grough.co.uk}}</ref>
* In 2022, a body found in the Clachaig Gully was confirmed to be 57-year-old Alan Taylor who went missing from the Dundee area in September 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilkie |first=Stephen |date=September 2, 2022 |title=Police Scotland say two missing person cases have ended in tragedy |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/police-scotland-say-two-missing-person-cases-have-ended-in-tragedy-3828641 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref>
* In August 2023, two climbers and their mountain guide were killed while attempting to traverse Aonach Eagach.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 August 2023 |title=Three climbers found dead in Glen Coe |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66427686 |work=BBC}}</ref>

==Devil's Staircase==
A path known as the '''Devil's Staircase''' crosses the range about 6 km east of Meall Dearg. Today, as part of the [[West Highland Way]], it is used primarily by walkers and mountain bikers travelling between [[Kinlochleven]] and [[Glencoe, Highland|Glencoe]].

The Devil's Staircase was given its name by the soldiers who were part of the [[Old military roads of Scotland|road building programme]] of [[George Wade|General Wade]], because of the difficulties of carrying building materials up that stretch of the road. Later, however, the road lived up to its name when workers building the [[Blackwater Reservoir|Blackwater Dam]] chose to travel to the [[Kings House Hotel]] after they had been paid, rather than walking down to Kinlochleven. The journey to the pub often proved to be more difficult than they realised and on the return trip, after a few drinks on a cold winter's night, the devil often "claimed his own".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glencoe-scotland.net/walks.html|title=Great walks:Devil's Staircase|last=Anon|work=Discover Glencoe and Lochleven|publisher=Glencoe and Lochleven Marketing Group|access-date=16 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216225426/http://www.glencoe-scotland.net/walks.html|archive-date=16 December 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1692, the path was the approach route for the (apparently delayed) troops coming from Kinlochleven to provide reinforcements for the [[Massacre of Glencoe]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Scottish Munros section 3}}
{{British hills}}

{{Coord|56.679|-5.037|display=title}}

[[Category:Munros]]
[[Category:Marilyns of Scotland]]
[[Category:Mountains and hills of the Central Highlands]]
[[Category:Climbing areas of Scotland]]
[[Category:Ridges of Scotland]]
[[Category:Mountains and hills of Highland (council area)]]
[[Category:Glen Coe]]

Martha Argerich

2025-06-01T04:47:52Z

147.147.21.161: Fixed typo

{{Short description|Argentine pianist (born 1941)}}
{{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 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''' ({{IPA|es|ˈmaɾta aɾxeˈɾitʃ}}; {{IPA|ca|əɾʒəˈɾik|label=Eastern Catalan:}}; born 5 June 1941) is an Argentine classical concert [[pianist]]. She is widely considered to be one of the greatest pianists of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 20 Greatest Pianists of all time | Classical-Music.com |url=http://www.classical-music.com/article/20-greatest-pianists-all-time |website=Classical-music.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The 25 best piano players of all time |url=https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/piano/best-pianists-ever/ |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=Classic FM |language=en}}</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 an early age, she won several competitions, including the [[VII International Chopin Piano Competition]] and the Ferruccio Busoni Competition and has since recorded numerous albums and performed with leading orchestras worldwide.

== 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 [[Spaniards]] from [[Catalonia]] who had been 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.

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=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/9370c7e4-a31f-11e0-a9a4-00144feabdc0.html |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|left|304x304px]]

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|sonatas]].

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|218x218px]]

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 is widely recognized as one of the greatest pianists in history.<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|left|202x202px]]
[[File:Martha Argerich presents herself in Tel Aviv.webm|thumb|Argerich introduces herself, 2018|444x444px]]
Argerich's first marriage was to composer-conductor Robert Chen, ({{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 practised 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}}</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 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>

== 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|Romanian]] 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>

== 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]]
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