Alicia de Larrocha 2 - Great Pianists of the Century

Alicia De Larrocha (Artist), Bach (Artist), Handel (Artist), Haydn (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B00001XDL7
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,286 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Klavierubung II: Italian Concerto In F, BWV 971: 1. (Allegro)

2. Klavierubung II: Italian Concerto In F, BWV 971: 2. Andante

3. Klavierubung II: Italian Concerto In F, BWV 971: 3. Presto

4. Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731

5. Jesu nahm zu sich die Zwolfe, BWV 22: Ertot uns durch dein Gute

6. French Suite No.6 in E, BWV 817: 1. Allemande

7. French Suite No.6 in E, BWV 817: 2. Courante

8. French Suite No.6 in E, BWV 817: 3. Sarabande

9. French Suite No.6 in E, BWV 817: 4. Gavotte

10. French Suite No.6 in E, BWV 817: 5. Polonaise

See all 23 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Rondo In D, KV 485

2. Piano Sonata In A Minor, KV 310: 1. Allegro maestoso

3. Piano Sonata In A Minor, KV 310: 2. Andante cantabile con espressione

4. Piano Sonata In A Minor, KV 310: 3. Presto

5. Piano Sonata In C, KV 330: 1. Allegro moderato

6. Piano Sonata In C, KV 330: 2. Andante cantabile

7. Piano Sonata In C, KV 330: 3. Allegretto

8. Piano Sonata In A, KV 331 'Alla Turca': 1. Theme. Andante grazioso

9. Piano Sonata In A, KV 331 'Alla Turca': Variation I

10. Piano Sonata In A, KV 331 'Alla Turca': Variation II

See all 19 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great recordings from DeLarrocha, March 8, 2000

By 

Malcolm Saldanha (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alicia de Larrocha 2 - Great Pianists of the Century (Audio CD)

These two discs demonstrate the unique characteristics of DeLarrocha's pianism which made her the beloved musician she became: her flawless sense of rhythm, perfectly judged rubato, beautiful tone, brilliant technique, and her non-excessive tempos. Although Martha Argerich's technique is superior to DeLarrocha, there's just something about de Larrocha's playing that I've always found very endearing.

Other pianists may be able to play the notes as well as she, but who else invests this music with the unmistakable style which is so instantly recognizable as being De Larrocha after hearing her play only a few bars?

The Haydn Variations in F Minor, Bach Italian Concerto and French Suite, and Mozart Sonata K. 331 are model interpretations of these pieces. I doubt they could be played better than they are here.

Only the first movement of the Mozart K. 310 is a slight disappointment--she sounds too cautious; however, the second movment and finale are beautifully played (much better than on her later RCA recording).

As far as I am concerned, these are desert island recordings and among the best of the "Great Pianists" series. In fact, I feel that a third volume devoted to some of her earliest recordings was more than warranted. (I'm thinking of both the Spanish and non-spanish repetory that she recorded for London/Decca and EMI in the late 60's and early 70's; not to mention the dazzling recordings of works such as the Lizst Hungarian Rhapsody No 2, La Campanella, Chopin Polonaise in A-flt, the Schubert-Tausig March Militare, etc.). These recordings were made when was at the peak of her playing: they are equal to best of any recordings by Argerich or Kissin.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterful and Musical, October 9, 2001

By 

James R. Mccall (Libertyville, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alicia de Larrocha 2 - Great Pianists of the Century (Audio CD)

This pianist is very easy to like; everything she does is done musically, so she brings out the character of the piece rather than grandstanding. I enjoy this two-CD set a great deal. I got it for the "Andante con variazioni in F minor" by Haydn, but like the Bach, Scarlatti and Handel as well on CD1, and the four Mozart sonatas on CD2.

This is also a very well-produced set: the pieces were recorded on six different occasions but give the feel of a custom-made album. As in all the sets of this series (Great Pianists of the Twentieth Century) the package is just right. It has plenty of text, easy CD access, and the 2-CD package fits into a single jewel-case slot!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alicia De Larrocha, June 14, 2001

By 

joan craft (Milford, DE USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alicia de Larrocha 2 - Great Pianists of the Century (Audio CD)

This recording is without a doubt the best version of Bach's Italian Concerto I've ever heard. While remaining true tot he Baroque style, Ms. De Larrocha's performance is expressive and so very musical. The entire CD is exquisite.