Disappointing
scarlatti11 | 03/08/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Rodrigo. One things of the lilting, lovely Spanish melodies of Concierto de Aranjuez or Fantasia para un Gentilhombre. Even the lesser symphonic works have such charm, such appeal -- so I thought that this album of solo piano works would be startlingly good, uniquely Rodrigo. I expected light to heavy Spanish influences, fluid phrasing, even the gently dynamic and soaring crescendos. Well, expectations are rarely satisfied. In this case, the pianist plays very well. His touch is gentle, flirting at times, and he shows understanding of Rodrigo's works. But it is the works themselves, all the songs and sonatas, that are a disappointment. They don't sound like Rodrigo but a great deal like Ravel, as if the French composer were standing over Rodrigo as he wrote, correcting with his pen. There are some pretty melodies here, and some are quite relaxing so that your listening time can pass nicely and sweetly. On the other hand, there are also a good many discords that interrupt the flow and prettiness of the music. Yes, these are very much like Ravel and in places, like bad Ravel. I would recommend the pianist since he does a remarkably nice job, but the actual music is just too different from Rodrigo's normal repertoire or from any sense of Spanish culture and music."
Obras para piano de Rodrigo
scarlatti11 | Killeen, TX United States | 10/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well played by professor Allen, wonderful music.
I think that this is what is to be expected from
Maestro Rodrigo. First pieces on the first disc
sound sound a bit in the vein of Debussy, this
was so maybe because it was the style of the day,
but it may well also reflect the composer's time
in Paris, where he studied with Paul Dukas, and
was friend with the mexican composer, Manuel Ponce.
All the music in the disc is well played by professor
Allen along with music for piano 4 hands, where professor
Allen is accompanied by Anton Nel. Wonderful recording,
indeed a five stars!!!!!"