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I just got Argerich's recording of the Prokofiev 1 and 3. While I was already very familiar with these works, it included the Bartok 3, where I am not very familiar at all with Bartok's works at all.

I LOVE this concerto. I want to buy the music now. However, having never played any Bartok, I need to know what editions are good.

Actually, my piano teacher wishes me to play his Romanian Dances opus 8a, so you guys don't have to worry about me jumping into Bartok without being properly acquainted.

Just wait till you hear the second concerto!

I played this concerto a few years ago. It's a wonderful piece, and I love Argerich's recording. There is only one legal edition--the Boosey and Hawkes, which unfortunately costs about $45.

It's got just a few nasty spots (especially the return of the main theme in the first mvt.--all ridiculous double notes that don't sound hard at all!) For the most part, though, the writing is very pianistic. Go for it--it's underplayed.

Ach! Oh well, at least with Boosey & Hawkes, I know that the quality is pretty good.

The third movement sounds very rhythmically challenging.

I've got Grimaud's recording (Zimerman plays the 1st, Andsnes plays the 2nd, Grimaud plays the 3rd).

lipatti's bartok 3 is superb