Customer Reviews

Manuel de Falla: Nights in the Gardens of Spain / Isaac Albeniz: Rapsodia Espanola / Joaquin Turina: Rapsodia Sinfonica - Alicia de Larrocha / London Philharmonic Orchestra / Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos

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I first found this CD at my local library, not expecting too much- I was devouring all its classical music. This turned out to be one of my favorite CDs. Night in the Gardens of Spain is the easily the best piece on this CD; it's also the best version of it I've heard- I've listened to three versions. The Pianist is excellent, the conductor finds a good balance between the instrument sections and pays careful attention to the tempo (which is one problem I had with another recording- the slow parts weren't leisurely and sauntery enough, the fast parts didn't have a drive), and the recording is of good quality.
I strongly recommend it; it should not disappoint you.

That this album is still available from a major label decades after its initial issue says much about its performance or engineering quality. Indeed, we have the renown pianist, Alicia de Larrocha, playing her Spanish soul music with the orchestra conducted by fellow Spaniard, Rafael Frühbek de Burgos. The music is lush. de Falla's reflection of Alhambra in Granada fits into his exposure to the musical impressionists while residing in Paris. The nocturn is nicely balanced with related Spanish romantic rhapsodies from Albeniz and Turinia. This music will bring comfort and relaxation and bring forth memories (or desires) of Spain. Sip that sherry and enjoy a true classic.

This album is dedicated to major Spanish composers' works for the pianoforte and orchestra: Falla, Albeniz and Turina.
Ms. Larrocha's piano sound is exceedingly majestic and expressive. The characterisations are just right, with a full-fledged Iberian atmosphere. There is passin and prowess, on top of searing pianistic nuances throughout the performances. You would not guess that this is a lady pianist.
One would like to compare Larrocha with her South American colleague Martha Argerich. Argerich does not display the same temperament as Alicia de Larrocha in many respects: Argerich is more inflammatory and less refined, as the different nationality of them depicts the different innate temperaments. The Spanish tend to be more refined and sophisticated on top of a passionate Iberian nature, while Argentinians are outright more volatile.
And it is exactly this feat of de Larrocha that imhv gained ascendance over Argerich - the more refined passion.
Methinks this performance would most unlikely be surpassed in the near future.