Rodolfo Halffter Chamber Music 1
Piano Sonatas Nos. 1-3 (Maria Elena Barrientos) A fine introduction to a fastidious Spanish/Mexican composer (1900-1987) whose three concise piano sonatas start from a look back to Scarlatti and finish with his own take on Schoenbergian dodecaphony. I found them all fresh and arresting, and very viable for piano recitalists to consider; clearly written, with spare textures, whether looking back or forward, I enjoyed them all. The programme as a whole is well judged, with instumental pieces (accompanied by a different pianist) to refresh the palate between the main courses. A substantial "find", which whets the appetite for Volume 2. Peter Grahame woolf
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