Search - Manuel de Falla, Antonio Soler, Joaquin Turina :: Spanish Album

Another fine recording from Rodriguez

I Hate Amazon | 03/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It seems that if a recording isn't on Sony, DG, RCA or some other big label then it just gets ignored. I wonder why that is? As an added touch against the grain, Mr. Rodriguez plays on Baldwin pianos on his recordings, which overall have a nice tone--although the notes on the lowest end of the register tend to lose their distinction sometimes.Anyway, about this recording. Since Amazon doesn't feel compelled to offer a track listing (at least at the moment I write this) I'll provide one here.1-4: Piezas Españolas - Manuel de Falla 5: Nocturno - de Falla 6: Fandango - Padre Antonio Soler 7-9: Danzas Fantásticas - Joaquin Turina 10-15: Suite "Andalucia" - Ernesto LecuonaTotal recording time: 70:52As in all Mr. Rodriguez's recordings, his authority is apparent from first note to last, and his phenominal rhythmic acuity lends itself very well to the predominantly dance oriented pieces in this collection. Personally, I prefer his renditions of Spanish Music to De Larrocha's, since he has comparable clarity but superior musclepower. The recording is exceptionally clean and bright, although dynamically a bit flat compared to his Rachmaninov.Harold C. Schonberg of THE NEW YORK TIMES calls this recording, "One of the most charming and enjoyable piano records around.""

Fall in love with Spanish classical music

Helen J. Bacon | Nazareth, PA USA | 10/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderfully unique classical album. Santiago has roots from both Spain and Cuba that permeate this top notch set of Spanish composers' music. Once you start listening, it will absolutely grow on you. When you get to Track 6, "Fandango" by Padre Antonio Soler, it's hypnotizing...and when you see it was written in the 1700's, you begin to wonder if it was the first piece ever written that later defined the sound of what we now recognize as Spanish music."