Search - Maria Dolores Campos, Katharine Durran :: Classical Spanish Songs: Espla / Obradors / Mompou

A good recital marred by amateurish CD presentation

09/26/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This recital was recorded 1995 at the University of Cambridge and covers a broad selection of Spanish vocal music from between the world wars. Although Granados and De Falla are fairly easy to find on disc the same cannot be said for the other composers most of whom are usually represented only by guitar or piano music. The only problem with this CD, and one which for many will spoil the recital, is the decision of Herald (a small UK independant) to omit texts and translations. Some of the songs, such as Espla's Pregon - a collection of street vendor cries, or Mompou's Combat del somni - based on a Catalan poem, and others, are difficult to follow without texts, and Campos' sensitive treatment of the words is lost. The notes are over brief and in English only. Alternative recordings are available: Espla (Pappas with Espla himself at the piano), Obradors (De Los Angeles), Turina (Caballe)."