Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Vol. 2

Domenico Scarlatti (Composer), Michael Lewin (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Michael Lewin
• Composer: Domenico Scarlatti
• Audio CD (August 31, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B00000JYTT
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,865 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Audio CD

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MORE SENSATIONAL SCARLATTI, June 19, 2001

By 

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

This review is from: Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Vol. 2 (Audio CD)

In this second installment of Naxos' ongoing complete Scarlatti sonatas series, Mr. Lewin takes over where Eteri Andjaparidze (the glorious pianist of Volume One) leaves off, and his playing is every bit as engaging and fresh as his predecessor. And, again, we have a wonderful mix of familiar and not-so-familiar Scarlatti, recorded sound that nears perfection, and a generous collection of nineteen gems.

As with his counterpart, Mr. Lewin's technique silences critcism at every turn; it is simply fabulous, yet always at the service of the composer. What I hear is grand, youthful enthusiasm, as in the Sonata in E (L. 375), that is infectious and thrilling; yet, this youthful fervor can turn completely introspective and nostalgic, as in the gorgeous Sonata in D Minor (L. 108) that runs for eight minutes.

Lewin is a pianist of no small insight; he can be as incisive as he can be tender--- and he is never less than incredibly spontaneous-sounding. Listen to his playing of the Sonata in A (L. 483), made popular by Horowitz. Can you imagine more divergent approaches? Where the "grand old pianist" attacks the notes, Mr. Lewin caresses them--- and the effect is telling.

Other wonders in the collection are the Sonatas in A Minor (L. 138) and F Minor (L. 187); but it's really unfair to single out individual sonatas, actually, because they are all exceptionally fine, beautifully-articulated and moving performances.

[Running time: 76:16]

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Michael Lewin earns distinction as Scarlatti intepreter., October 26, 2002

By 

Nancy Moran (Baltimore, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Vol. 2 (Audio CD)

This is in serious contrast to vol. 1 Scarlatti of the same series. A lot less pedal. A lot more staccato particularly in the fast sections. A lot more legato in the slow ones. Up tempo all the way. Lewin is abstemious with dynamics but he uses them well. He has an innate feel for rhythms. There is clarity to the sound. You can tell the left from the right hand throughout. Lewin does not let the embellishments overshadow the melody, and he deftly puts the piano in place of the harpsichord, making the most of the more advanced instrument. This vol. 2 of the Scarlatti series is a pleasure to hear.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great disc for a great price, July 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Vol. 2 (Audio CD)

This set of Scarlatti sonatas, played by American pianist Michael Lewin, is a great introduction to the composer's music. The works presented here encompass a wide variety of moods, each brilliantly realized by Lewin, ranging from the soul-searching intensity of the Sonata in D minor, K. 213, to the light-hearted playfulness of the Sonata in G major, K. 146. The listener really gets a good sense of the composer's unique style. Also, the sound on this recording captures Lewin's beautiful tone perfectly. Naxos has again provided us with an amazing bargain, with seventy six minutes of playing time for only six dollars. It is no wonder that this disc is highly recommended in the Gramophone Guide, one of the leading authorities on classical music.