Isaac Albéniz: Iberia, Book III & IV – Axel Trolese

This Da Vinci Classics CD constitutes the second part of the complete recording of Isaac Albéniz’s Iberia, a masterpiece of piano literature in terms of transcendental technique, of timbral effects on the piano, of poetry and imagination. Along with vols. 3 and 4 of Iberia, the programme also comprises the spectacular Danzas Fantásticas by Joaquin Turina, inspired by the literary work of a Spanish author, and Maurice Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole. In all of these works, Spain is seen as a major source of inspiration in musical terms; all three composers demonstrate their absolute mastery not only of certain particular tunes of the Spanish folk tradition, but rather of the very mechanism upon which that music is built, of its grammar, syntax and language. Together, these works lead us in a fascinating tour of Spain, seen “with the ears” and therefore contemplated in its mysterious nature, both enchanted and enchanting at one and the same time.