Customer Reviews

Granados: Goyescas

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here is a deliciously alert, romantic, entirely idiomatic and sensitive performance of the Granados' infamously difficult favorite. Ms. Meshulam illuminates this work at every turn. Her articulation, for example, in the opening "Los Requiebros" is breathtaking, bringing to the fore hidden voices and harmonies. For this playing, alone, I would buy the CD. Luckily, though, her artistry pervades entirely. The fifth movement, "El Amor Y La Muerte," is of such nuanced subtlety and beauty that it must be the best I've heard in years. Benita Meshulam is a pianist to be reckoned with. She possesses exquisite taste and refinement; yet, in a flash, can amaze us by her passion. Granados has a fine advocate here, and also a brilliant one.

This is a Goyescas not easily forgottten.

The addition of the Spanish Dance No. 5 is fine; however, the playing time still comes up rather short. It might have been wonderful to have had the pianist's thoughts on either the Valses Poeticos or the Escenas Romanticas. One wants more of Benita Meshulam, not less.

The Chesky "sound" given her is fabulous.

[Running time: 52:51]

. This album is absolutely enchanting!

Miss Meshulam deserves a place in any collection of the best work by living pianists, and this album deserves a place in the collection of any serious aficionado of these composers' work!

.