Sebastian Stanley - Albeniz: Piano Sonata Nos. 3, 4, 5, Suite Ancienne Nos. 1, 2 (2019)

Tracklist
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01. Piano Sonata No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 68: I. Allegretto
02. Piano Sonata No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 68: II. Andante
03. Piano Sonata No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 68: III. Allegro assai
04. Suite Ancienne No. 1, Op. 54: I. Gavotta
05. Suite Ancienne No. 1, Op. 54: II. Minuetto
06. Piano Sonata No. 4 in A Major, Op. 72: I. Allegro
07. Piano Sonata No. 4 in A Major, Op. 72: II. Scherzo. Allegro
08. Piano Sonata No. 4 in A Major, Op. 72: III. Minuetto. Andantino
09. Piano Sonata No. 4 in A Major, Op. 72: IV. Rondo. Allegro
10. Suite Ancienne No. 2, Op. 64: I. Sarabande
11. Suite Ancienne No. 2, Op. 64: II. Chaconne
12. Piano Sonata No. 5 in G-Flat Major, Op. 82: I. Allegro non troppo
13. Piano Sonata No. 5 in G-Flat Major, Op. 82: II. Minuetto del gallo
14. Piano Sonata No. 5 in G-Flat Major, Op. 82: III. Rêverie
15. Piano Sonata No. 5 in G-Flat Major, Op. 82: IV. Allegro


Isaac Albéniz’ most famous work is undoubtedly his suite Iberia, a landmark of Spanish culture and the perfect example of “Españolismo”, the fusing of folkloristic elements in romantic music. His other works, especially the Piano Sonatas, are rarely performed and that is a shame, as they are highly attractive works in classic/romantic style, full of wonderful melodies and highly idiomatic pianism (hardly surprising from such a great performing pianist as Albeniz was..).

This new recording presents the three complete piano sonatas, the numbers 3-4-5, as well as two beautiful Suites Anciennes, which contain baroque dance forms in romantic disguise.

A beautiful recording by young pianist Sebastian Taylor, who has Spanish roots in is ancestry. A student of the Royal College of Music in London he attended masterclasses by Menahem Pressler and Gary Graffman. His recording of Granados’ Goyescas received 5-star reviews in Fanfare, and American Record Guide.

The liner notes in the booklet were written by Walter E. Clark of the University of California.

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