Search - Domenico Scarlatti, Pierre Hantaï :: Scarlatti 1 - Pierre Hantaï

As good as it gets...

Kenneth J. Luurs | Oak Park, IL USA | 08/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoy Scarlatti...have 2 complete sets of the music and have played his works on the piano (sorry!). But this is harpsichord. There are a lot of recordings, some very good of Scarlatti's music. I own a good portion of them including Scott Ross's traversal of the complete works. None is better than this disc. I'm amazed both at the quality of the playing and especially the recording quality. This is a great harpsichord. There's more color and the music dances, bounces, beguiles.... The notes are generous - but I wish I could tell you more. This is volume 1, but of what?? It is recorded on a label called Mirare. Who?? I bought the disc because I've been impressed with Hantai before - and he's recorded Scarlatti before -- but I must admit that while I was previously impressed by his work, this time I'm downright dazzled. I'm hoping we'll see more in this series."

Absolutely Addictive!!!

G. Winford | Whidbey Island, WA | 02/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc is an absolute joy. Hantai and Scarlatti are a match made in heaven; the invention of Scarlatti and the virtuosity of Hantai are mind-blowing. The fast pieces simply wash over and overwhelm you in the most wonderful way, yet the music is clearly defined and sharply etched. Hantai's Scarlatti is known for its speed, yet the amazing thing here is what a wonderful job he does with the slower pieces; he gives them a sublime grace and beauty.



The harpsicord here is bubbling and effervescent and has a bell-like ringing quality. Beautiful.



A one-of-a-kind disc!



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