Jordi Masó, the pianist on this album, has recorded over forty discs and is known for his wide repertoire, with a special emphasis on 20th-century music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Montsalvatge's "El arca de Noé" (Noah's Ark) is a humorous collection of miniatures designed for children learning piano, similar to Schumann's "Album für die Jugend."
Recording & Production
This album focuses on Xavier Montsalvatge's piano pieces written in the last 25 years of his life, many of which were commissioned works.
Composer Biography
Xavier Montsalvatge was a significant Catalan composer of the 20th century, whose international career was launched by his "5 Canciones negras" (5 Black songs).
Composition History
The "Concierto de Albayzín" was originally commissioned by the Granada International Music Festival for Colombian harpsichordist Rafael Puyana, but Montsalvatge later adapted it for piano and orchestra.
Compositional Technique
Montsalvatge's "Tres piezas para la mano izquierda" (Three Pieces for the Left Hand) includes moments of virtuosity that challenge the pianist to disguise that the music is for only one hand.
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Blancafort, M.: Piano Music, Vol. 4 - American Souvenir / Sonatina Antiga / Ermita I Panorama / Romanca, Intermedi I Marxa
