Search - Federico Mompou :: Oeuvres Pour Piano (Integrale)

The authoritative version, let down by engineering

Mr. A. C. Combrink | 03/27/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This set is self-recommending for pianists. Mompou's is a wonderful repertoire, without being self-conscious or over-literal about the Spanish element in the music. For lovers of Albeniz, Grandos, Turina, and other Spanish pianists, or Debussy and his contemporaries, this music is very approachable. There is a tenderness and quai-impressionistic vein in his writing that I find very touching. To have this set, played by the composer himself(in 1974 this would have made him 81 - a real achievement, if the Brilliant Classics information is correct) was simply a must-buy. It is virtually complete (missing a Cancion i danza or two, depending on which edior you believe, one Prelude, and the 1951 Chanson de Berceu)and beautifully played.



I also own the Jordi Maso set on Naxos. I love both versions, but in the end, I have to say the choice for which to load on my iPod fell to the Naxos set. Maso plays magnificently, and as performer there is not that much to distinguish the two performances. Maso is excellent in all his discs in this repertoire - and he places pecial emphasison Catalan repertoire as well. However, the set played by Mompou, unfortunately has a very inferior sound to the Naxos set. There are some engineering-interferences that distract a lot, and in a direct comparison the differences are huge. Therefore, Maso goes on my iPod and the master himself ont he shelf for when I study these works.



Also check out Mompou as excellent accompanist to Caballe in some of his own songs."

Buyer

Ray Alden Byram | San Francisco | 01/09/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an exquisite and definitive (the composer is performing) presentation of the work of a quiet, deeply moving composer. Other recordings include individual pieces, but the opportunity to have this set is not to be missed. It provides hours of contemplative and charming compositions. If you like the piano music of Poulenc, Mompou is a must have."