Scarlatti : Scarlatti Illuminated. Gieseking.

Piano International (Jul, 2013)
This is truly imaginative programming, stunningly delivered. The idea of juxtaposing pure Scarlatti with later pianists’ arrangements/transcriptions is a stimulating one, and Joseph Moog delivers his recital with great verve. His articulation is beautifully clean in the originals (though the recording is a touch pingy on top). Hearing the charming beginning of Kk247 after the Tausig take on Kk12 is like stepping out of a smoky room into an Alpine pasture. On one level, the inclusion of the more complex later arrangements enables the originals to act as fresheners between courses; on another level, one can marvel again at Scarlatti’s bejeweled concision. The central offering (its placement is perfectly planned) is …