Montsalvatge: Piano Music

Benita Meshulam (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Benita Meshulam
• Audio CD (June 16, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Asv Living Era
• ASIN: B000007NEJ
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #470,427 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MESHULAM'S MUSINGS ON MONTSALVATGE, August 7, 2001

By 

Melvyn M. Sobel "Melvyn M. Sobel" (Freeport, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Montsalvatge: Piano Music (Audio CD)

Xavier Montsalvatge (1912-2002) is a Spanish composer of quite ingenious, whimsical, eclectic and attractive piano music (among a host of other works--- operas, ballets, concertos, chamber music--- all of which are relatively unknown in this country, and even more rarely performed); his is a "voice" of much individuality, whose piano compositions are consistently unique, steeped in meaning, revealing, always surprising in their depth and propensity for a dark, underlying moodiness. Although beautiful, these are not your "typical" Spanish icons; the romance of Granados and the rampant nationalism of Albeniz are not to be seen, nor is the fiery temperament of de Falla. No. Instead, Montsalvatge treads his own path, goes off in his own direction; although there may be vague influences threading through his work (e.g. he was especially fond of Mompou, Turina, Stravinsky, Poulenc), to which he frequently winks and nods, Montsalvatge answers, musically, to nobody but himself. And it is this "voice" that is the insistent lure of this neglected composer.

Providentially, we have Benita Meshulam to set things right, and this she does with an affinity, expertise, panache and obvious love. As a personal friend of the composer, herself, I cannot but think that Montsalvatge could ever have a better interpreter of his music, a better guardian or savior. There's not one piece on this CD that does not ring true, nor bear an obvious devotion--- because of the pianist's own emotional experience of this music and her complete and total immersion in it; never does she forfeit the spirit of the composer, or his trust in her.

The availability of this 1998 ASV CD is not to be taken lightly, nor is the amazing talent of Benita Meshulam. Too often, marvelous recordings, like this one, disappear overnight and are gone forever. To not avail yourself of this compilation of the majority of Montsalvatge's incredibly memorable piano music, performed to perfection, would be a regrettable mistake.

[Running time: 64:33]

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Woderful discovery., May 13, 2006

By 

bonerfly "ear candy" (NY) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Montsalvatge: Piano Music (Audio CD)

I totally agree with the previous reviewer. So much so that I have nothing to add to the actual technical merits of the music itself. So I will keep this review short and to the point.
Montalvatge is not as romantic as Granados, as Nationalistc as Albeniz or as "Fiery" as Falla.
This is completely tonal modern 20th Century music with underpinnings of old world charm. Full of wonderful melodies and delightfully tongue in cheek and humorous.
Benita Meshulam has the unique status of being Montsalvatge's hand picked interpreter and her brilliant pianism and personal expression makes this music all a definitive version should be.
A must have for all fans of solo Piano music Spanish or otherwise.