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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The Baby's Family of Villa Lobos

I know this lp is on Naxos, what isn't nowadays?? Here's my transfer of The Baby's Family by Villa Lobos performed by the excellent Cuban pianist, Jose Echaniz. The record date from 1955.

I'm rather amazed at just how versatile a musician was Heitor Villa Lobos. The man could write convincingly in pretty much any idiom and for any combination of instruments and voices. Gosh, he arranged a whole bunch of Bach inspired music for an orchestra of cello's! If that isn't gumption, I don't know what is. Yes, I do...try Handel's Royal Fireworks Music in the original scoring....30 oboes or so???

Here is music obviously inspired by the likes of Schumann, Debussy and Bartok. Miniatures that quite flavorfully capture a child's eye view of the people and world around him or her. This is simple, precious music that is meant to draw people in, especially younger people. It is unintimidating and welcoming, the kind of stuff that whets the appetite. Pianist Echaniz is a convincing interpreter (I am working on his incredible take on the compete Iberia of Albeniz) and he carefully crafts each little piece with its own distinctive voice. It's really all too bad that more pianists have not given this cycle a go, don't you think?

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