The Complete Iberia of Albeniz with Jose Echaniz

More from the ten marvelous fingers of Cuban born pianist Jose Echaniz. We have the complete Iberia cycle of Albeniz on a two disc Westminster reissue from the late 50's though the original set was first marketed in a handsome box/booklet that I should have bought when I had the opportunity. Not to digress but those 1951-53 Westninster boxes, I think of the first and foremost of the Scherchen Bach B minor Mass, were extravagant and beautifully produced.

Iberia is a wonderful cycle, Albeniz's greatest achievement and one of the modern wonders of the piano repertoire. The music is highly engaging as it captures the full breadth of the diverse and varied landscape of the Iberian peninsula. I don't think enough artists take it up because as a whole, it is a long cycle and bits and pieces in a concert program don't do the work justice.

Certainly, Echaniz plays the music for all it is worth, with strong technique, character, and heart. As the only other cycle I really know is by de Larrocha, I will say that Echaniz, in comparison, is her technical equivilent, only lacking that special, indescribable quality of genius that made Alicia de Larrocha one of the most beloved of 20th century concert artists. A wonderful tour de force here, nontheless.


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Albert Spalding's Last Recital at Boston University

This was a terrific find.  It shot to the top of the queue based on my own selfish, personal preferences. From a Halo lp, this record contains the contents, minus Spalding's vocal introduction to Malguena, of the violinist's last public recital (really a master class presentation) at Boston University, a mere two weeks prior to his death at sixty four in 1953. This program features piano accompanist Jules Wolffers.

The style of playing here is from a time when people were still fascinated by the sight of a horseless carriage and musical entertainment was most convenient for people by attending a band concert in the park. With gentle and lyrical phrasing and judicious use of portamento, Spalding coaxes the listener into special, personal musical world. Just listen to the two Hungarian Dances of Brahms and you'll get my drift. This is not to say that Spalding is a relic from the past, he is in perfect tune to the music of  deFalla and Albeniz and he creates quite an authentic Iberian sound if I say so myself. This is playing, that though it is far from technically perfect, is nevertheless self assured, direct, and well, joyful. Oh, and if Ave Maria does not cause your knees to buckle......

This Halo recording has ok sound and was probably recorded in some cheap setup. However, it is an important document of one of the first great American born violinists and that's treasure enough for me!

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