Olivier Messiaen, a 20th-century French composer, described Albéniz's Iberia as 'the masterpiece of Spanish music'.
Composition History
Albéniz's monumental Iberia collection, completed in 1908, is not a traditional suite; its twelve pieces can be played in any sequence.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Albéniz's later works, including those on this album, reflect a 'second manner' characterized by nostalgic introspection and dreaminess, influenced by his estrangement from Spain and personal ailments.
Performer Biography
Marc-André Hamelin, the pianist on this recording, is known for his active interest in little-known repertoire, with recordings of composers like Alkan, Godowsky, and Sorabji.
Composer Biography
Isaac Albéniz, born in 1860, was a child prodigy who toured Spain and Cuba as a piano virtuoso in his early teens.
Compositional Technique
Albéniz declared that in Iberia, he pushed 'españolismo and technical difficulty to the ultimate extreme,' resulting in music full of counter-rhythms, hand crossings, and nearly impossible chords.
Compositional Technique
Albéniz's Iberia merges Impressionist harmonies, Lisztian virtuosity, and Spanish nationalism, evoking regional song and dance styles like Andalusian flamenco.
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