Search - Federico Mompou :: Mompou Plays Mompou: Música Callada

Mompou the composer/pianist speaks quietly & profoundly

08/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Federico Mompou (it looks French, but pronounce it Mom-POE) was one of the many Iberian artists (he was Catalan) who created a stir in Paris between the two world wars. Thereafter he fell into obscurity, composing relatively little more and doing little to promote himself. He may be best remembered for the Suite Compostela, composed for the guitarist Segovia. But some folks never forgot his appealing, never bombastic blend of Catalan and French piano music. De Laroccha kept his music alive virtually on her own, especially the lively "Songs & Dances" and the remarkably beautiful "Intimate Impressions" suite. But perhaps his most original set was this "Silent Music," where the recognizably nationalistic colors of his other pieces are subsumed in a meditative world without egotism and display. Mompou made a set of recordings for the Spanish Ensayo label, covering virtually every piano work (except for the few he wrote after making the recording). There are a surprising number of pianists coming to his music now, and unfortunately the new age/music for relaxation tag has been dumped on his head by the public relations departments. Ignore it - listen to this recording (preferably BEFORE you know how old he was when he recorded it) - and marvel at a sound world that puts most of its latter-day equivalents to shame. Silent music? Thoughtful music, then. Great music? I think so."

Intimate Catalan reverie

James D. Fanuzzi | Chicago | 03/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is one more proof that Spain's 20th century piano repertoire is vastly under-rated. I won't divert you too long from the next review, which is entirely adequate, and which I would ratify, tout court. I will merely add that despite the age of the original recordings from which this disc was made, the sound quality is superb. Moreover, it is a delight to hear this rather reticent composer representing himself. If you like this recording, (and it is hard to imagine someone who would not), try David Jones's recordings of Spanish music on the Nimbus label, which is an incredible bargain, and which complements this CD quite well."

Short

Felipe Márquez | Caracas, Venezuela | 03/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think this CD is a kind of jewell. Beautiful pieces.
Maybe another piano player could interpret this music with more virtuosity but they dont need that. Mompou, old when he recorded those Cants màgics filled that music with kind of poetry and, obviously, sincerity.
Its like listening him in a small room, drinking a cup of tea in absolute silence."