Matrix models, complex geometry, and integrable systems: I

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We consider the simplest gauge theories given by one- and two- matrix integrals and concentrate on their stringy and geometric properties. We remind general integrable structure behind the matrix integrals and turn to the geometric properties of planar matrix models, demonstrating that they are universally described in terms of integrable systems directly related to the theory of complex curves. We study the main ingredients of this geometric picture, suggesting that it can be generalized beyond one complex dimension, and formulate them in terms of the quasiclassical integrable systems, solved by construction of tau-functions or prepotentials. The complex curves and tau-functions of one- and two- matrix models are discussed in detail.