Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)

[Karl Henning]

Scarlatti, Domenico (1685-1757) - Essercizi, K. 1-30 w/ Alain Planès on a fortepiano (Johann Schantz, Vienna, ca. 1800) - I like D. Scarlatti on both harpsichord and piano, but my first recording on an in-between competitor - reviews attached (including one from our own Jens).  I owned the 3 early Pierre Hantaï recordings, below are 3 newer releases which I've not purchased but did a listen on a Spotify playlist. My piano discs include Angela Hewitt (2), Yevgeny Sudbin (2), and Mikhail Pletnev (2) - for those interested, I've put together a Numbers spreadsheet converted to PDF (second attachment) that shows which sonatas are being played by all of these performers.  Dave

     

In fun timing, Sandro Ivo Bartoli just celebrated finishing his Scarlatti survey with a video of the complete Essercizi per Gravicembalo, K. 1-30 let me know what you think, Dave.

https://www.youtube.com/v/bCRzEwIYm-c

[prémont]

Well, as to selection of the Schantz fortepiano, the liner notes state the instrument was in great shape for ca. 1800 (earlier ones, if pre-1757, may not have been?) and the feel was more like a harpsichord, so considered a good choice as a transitional instrument. 

The feel was more like a harpsichord? More than what? And does it refer to the sound or to the touch?

And copies of fortepianos from before 1750 have been made at least during the last twenty years. Others have recorded Scarlatti on such instruments.

[Karl Henning]

I should blush to say something so obvious, but I am immediately taken with the superficial similarity in subject between the K. 30 and the Royal Theme for the BWV 1079

https://www.youtube.com/v/84g9aFOuFd4

[prémont]

I should blush to say something so obvious, but I am immediately taken with the superficial similarity in subject between the K. 30 and the Royal Theme for the BWV 1079

You know, according to tradition the Royal Theme is composed by Frederick the Great.  However I have never thought of any - even superficial - similarity with the "cat" fugue.

[Karl Henning]

You know, according to tradition the Royal Theme is composed by Frederick the Great.  However I have never thought of any - even superficial - similarity with the "cat" fugue.

I'm thinking primarily of the opening ascending gestures: G - B^b - E^b - F# VS. C - E^b - G - A^b Not a close resemblance, to be sure.

[Mandryka]

Silvia Rambardi has recorded two really special CDs of Italian music, Frescobaldi, Andrea Gabrieli, Pasquini, Merula,  et al.   

Booklet for this unusual release here -- the performances are colourful, and  full of harpsichord effects.  Tasteful though, rather than dazzling.

https://static.qobuz.com/goodies/36/000212863.pdf