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MESHULAM'S MUSINGS ON MONTSALVATGE

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 08/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Xavier Montsalvatge (1912-2002) is a Spanish composer of quite ingenious, whimsical, eclectic and attractive piano music (among a host of other works--- operas, ballets, concertos, chamber music--- all of which are relatively unknown in this country, and even more rarely performed); his is a "voice" of much individuality, whose piano compositions are consistently unique, steeped in meaning, revealing, always surprising in their depth and propensity for a dark, underlying moodiness. Although beautiful, these are not your "typical" Spanish icons; the romance of Granados and the rampant nationalism of Albeniz are not to be seen, nor is the fiery temperament of de Falla. No. Instead, Montsalvatge treads his own path, goes off in his own direction; although there may be vague influences threading through his work (e.g. he was especially fond of Mompou, Turina, Stravinsky, Poulenc), to which he frequently winks and nods, Montsalvatge answers, musically, to nobody but himself. And it is this "voice" that is the insistent lure of this neglected composer.



Providentially, we have Benita Meshulam to set things right, and this she does with an affinity, expertise, panache and obvious love. As a personal friend of the composer, herself, I cannot but think that Montsalvatge could ever have a better interpreter of his music, a better guardian or savior. There's not one piece on this CD that does not ring true, nor bear an obvious devotion--- because of the pianist's own emotional experience of this music and her complete and total immersion in it; never does she forfeit the spirit of the composer, or his trust in her.



The availability of this 1998 ASV CD is not to be taken lightly, nor is the amazing talent of Benita Meshulam. Too often, marvelous recordings, like this one, disappear overnight and are gone forever. To not avail yourself of this compilation of the majority of Montsalvatge's incredibly memorable piano music, performed to perfection, would be a regrettable mistake.



[Running time: 64:33]







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