Domenico Scarlatti's single-movement sonatas, revolutionary for their time, merged Italian and Iberian traditions, showcasing rhythmic and melodic freedom and diverse keyboard techniques.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Jörg Widmann, a contemporary composer, explores the 'ever-imperiled flight between heaven and hell' in his homages to Schubert, including the six piano pieces Idyll und Abgrund.
Composition History
The program of alternating Luciano Berio's Six Encores with Domenico Scarlatti's Sonatas was conceived by Andrea Lucchesini and Berio during the composer's final illness.
Interpretation
The alternating order of Scarlatti and Berio pieces on this album highlights thematic connections, such as the three repeated sounds in Scarlatti's K. 491 appearing in Berio's Brin.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in October 2017 at the Istituto Boccherini in Lucca, using a Steinway D piano.
Performer Biography
Andrea Lucchesini, the pianist on this album, gained international recognition by winning the Dino Ciani International Competition at a young age.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Jörg Widmann's compositions often contain references to past works, which he uses to set boundaries and express himself in his own musical language.
