Scarlatti & Bartók - Liaisons Volume 1
At first sight, they appear to have nothing in common - but disregarding the stylistic elements and a
difference of two centuries, you soon recognize that both Scarlatti and Bartók, are in a sense, musical
architects, who as piano virtuosos were equally interested in miniature forms and inspired by folk music.
Inspired by an 18th century performance practice, where two different character pieces were executed
opposite each other in pairs in contrast with each other, I experimented in both the concert hall and the
recording studio with the series of pieces on this CD. I found out quickly that I heard, experienced and
played both Scarlatti and Bartók’s work ‘differently’ when they were executed alternately - as if
discovering hidden secrets in familiar works! This realization led to a new and fresh perspective on the
style and rubato and reconsideration of rhythmic, melodic and dynamic elements. (Dejan Lazic, liner
notes) “Imaginative fantasy, whole-hearted expressiveness, compelling, dramatic performance, playing of real individuality.” Gramophone “An exciting idea this… and it works! After all, Bartók greatly admired Scarlatti: he even recorded a couple of his sonatas. Both composers were innovators and combined a strong feeling for rhythm with an audacious sense of harmony.” Gramophone Magazine, April 2008 |
