Thanks to this record, I started to love de harpsichord and to know the music of the golden age of this instrument. I remember the little piece My lady's carey dump or something like that. I should be a pleasure to have it again.
November 14, 2005 |  | Puyana Plays to Perfection |  |
Mr Puyana has a sink-your-teeth-into style of playing upon the harpsichord which I find immensely satisfying. He doesn't pussy-foot upon the keys, he attacks them with a flair and a finesse, appearing to thoroughly enjoy himself in the process. I can readily imagine him performing many of these pieces with a smile creasing his face. And why not? These are some delightful compositions, packed with trills and runs and cadenzas and what have you. A harpsichordist's dream, I'll imagine, and a splendid introduction to this instrument for those who might be unfamiliar. The tone of the instrument is wonderful, clear and ringing. A rousing pick-me-up variety here, perfect to play for a gathering of friends, or while pottering about the house. And whilst doing so, you might discover yourself tapping your toes and smiling along! Also recommended is his disc of Fandangos and Tangos, for another bit of whirlwind musical fun.
June 25, 2004| | | Top-Drawer Performance, Sound Quality, Music, and Value | |
This is a reissue of a set of Mercury Living Presence LPs recorded in 1962. Mercury's Living Presence series was renowned for its sound quality; even though this is an ADD CD, the sound quality leaves nothing to be desired.
The first track on the CD is an anonymous piece from 1500, which, with its jumping rhythm and melody, is eerily reminiscent of some of Grieg's piano pieces and some of Tchaikovsky's ballet music, composed nearly four-hundred years later. It is the most unusual piece on a CD filled with pieces that are, if not unusual, at least, with the exception of Bach's Concerto in Dm, not well-known at all, frequently by composers who are equally obscure. All too frequently, I find that music remains little-known because it does not deserve to be known better. That is not the case here. Puyana has chosen wisely; the listener, unless he is quite a musicologist, will be hearing many of these pieces for the first time, and, I think, enjoying them immensely.
Puyana uses a firmer touch than most other harpsichordists, yet he is never heavy-handed. His rhythmic drive is strong, yet he pays attention to the nuances of the pieces.
This CD is also an exceptional value, providing nearly seventy-five minutes of great music at mid-price. December 22, 2000
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