Search - Mikhail Pletnev :: Mikhail Pletnev ~ Domenico Scarlatti - Keyboard Sonatas

Scarlatti at Everyone's Best

J. F. Laurson | Washington, DC United States | 10/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If anything can ever convince the purist that Scarlatti on the Piano is no sin, it would be this marvel of a disc. Mikhail Pletnev, no stranger to controversy (as in his recent Schumann account), takes a delightfully fresh approach to these pieces and won me over in no time - even though I grew up on vinyls of my Uncle playing Scarlatti on the Harpsichord. Even Horowitz's famous recording cannot compare to this 2-CD-set, now re-issued at a ridiculously low price. Music that sparkles like this is not often found - and once you stop missing the harpsichord in these works, you will find yourself listening to this performance over and over, without getting tired of it. Do not be fooled into thinking that - as baroque music - this might make suitable background music for a day in the office: You will not get any work dnoe as you listen with delight.



P.S. A word to Pogorelich's performance: When Ivo Pogorelich is described as a "unique" pianist, it isn't always laude that carries with that description. But he's always got something to say - and I, for one, rather like his Chopin Préludes op.28 and his Liszt Sonata in b-minor. What a surprise then, to hear him in these Domenico Scarlatti Sonatas, recorded over a decade ago, where Pogorelich is one of the least indulgent players in the slow sonatas. Scarlatti's 555 (!) keyboard sonatas, written for the harpsichord and clavicembalo, work marvelously on the modern grand piano (although it took me some time to get used to it) and sound eerily modern at times. One of Vladimir Horowitz's best recordings is one with Scarlatti sonatas and Mikhail Pletnev's two-disc recording of Scarlatti Sonatas was just re-issued at budget price. Pogorelich's one-hour recording seems to overlap more with Pletnev's than it actually does, and he is every bit as good as his compatriot. Unlike Pletnev, he doesn't exaggerate every contrast in the sonatas - and he has funny ideas about the meaning of Allegro in Sonata K 8, but all in all, his playing is more like Pletnev's than it is different. I find both superb - and am tempted to give a slight edge to Pletnev over Pogorelich. It is a great Scarlatti CD to have, but at twice the price with half the music of the Pletnev re-issue, it can't be a first choice.



There are others well worth having, too. Christian Zacharias on EMI or MDG, Maria Tipo for on the EMI "Encore" budget label, the crazy Landowska on her Pleyel (including anti-aircraft guns going off over paris in K499 - EMI)... but with Pletnev (or, yes, Pogorelich) you'll be set for a while."

Scarlatti with pizzaz

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 08/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If Vivaldi was the "concerto factory" of the 18th century, then Domenico Scarlatti was the "harpsichord sonata factory" with his some 550 individual compositions (mostly binary in form). Yet, as numerous as they are, these works are rich in musical innovations, techniques, textures and imagination. Only one person I believe has recorded all of them (and survived!). The great Vladimar Horowitz helped expose these great works in his legendary concerts.



Now, Russian piano-wizard Mikhail Pletnev brings his uninhibited technique to give this music an energetic workout on the piano (as opposed to the original harpsichord). And while Mr. Pletnev applies his characteristic stylistic liberties to the score, it seems to bring out the best in these works. His readings possess tremendous energy and verve, yet the music never seems quite 'overdone.' Indeed, Mr. Pletnev brings a captivating dynamic and pizzaz to many of these sonatas that is probably not out of the realm of what Scarlatti could imagine. After all, Scarlatti wrote much of this music with virtuosity in mind and an uninhibited style relative for his day. Overall, this is a most exciting and satisfying collection recorded in vivid, full-bodied sound.



This two CD set is a fine introduction to the many sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti and one of the best Baroque bargins around. Both Gramophone and Penguin give high marks to this set for its imaginative and dynamic readings and realistic, vivid sound. With Pletnev's fine readings here, this vivacious and intelligently-varied piano music should rise towards the status it deserves in the repertoire. Compositions - 4.5 stars; Peformance - 5 stars; Sound - 5 stars.



Equally receiving high marks is Pletnev's recording of C.P.E. Bach's much-neglected and highly innovative keyboard sonatas. Pletnev's Chopin recital featuring Sonata No. 3 is also a real treat and most recommended. And new for 2006 for Pletnev is a fresh recording of Mozart's piano sonatas (K. 330-332)."

Not Since Gould

John W. Logan | brentwood, tennessee United States | 02/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some of us old folks remember the first release of Gould's "Goldberg Variations" in 1957. This recording should, in my opinion, be of equal impact on the world of classical pianism. It is, quite simply, astounding!

Basta! Genug! Assez! Enough! Just listen."