Albéniz: Iberia (2005)

Marc-André Hamelin takes on the watercolor pictures of Albéniz's Spain on this two-disc set with the expected luminous results. Smaller pieces that ... Show synopsis Marc-André Hamelin takes on the watercolor pictures of Albéniz's Spain on this two-disc set with the expected luminous results. Smaller pieces that are in the same vein complement Albéniz's massive suite Iberia here. The accompanying notes talk about the "reflective" nature of most of Iberia, but while Hamelin does bring out the meditative aspects of the work, he also gives it a sheen of warm sunlight. The opening Evocación is particularly contemplative and evocative of moods in its harmonies and of Spanish dances in its rhythms. Hamelin is so technically at ease with everything he does that music such as this, no matter how complex it is, just washes over the listener in clear, smooth, beautiful waves. La Vega, the only movement completed of Albéniz's suite The Alhambra, is similar to the Evocación. Its livelier moments and the more energetic Iberia movements, such as El Corpus en Sevilla and Eritańa, still carry a sense of affectionate nostalgia and recollection rather than an active depiction of... Hide synopsis