MDG Scene  904 1987-6

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Instrumental

Domenico Scarlatti: Piano Sonatas K. 44, 78, 87, 135, 239, 245, 322, 323, 427, 432, 435, 438, 447, 455, 474, 475, 478, 492, 513

Eri Mantani (piano)


Fitness Coach
Domenico Scarlatti was hired as the Spanish Queen María Bárbara’s personal fitness coach. In order to perfect her keyboard artistry, the monarch had the talented Neapolitan composer write countless exercises for her. The Japanese pianist Eri Mantani has assembled a fascinating personal selection from the 555 extant “Sonatas” that really have nothing in common with dull études – a debut album bursting with energy that could not be more entertaining.

Keyboard Workout
The queen must have had considerable capabilities as a keyboard artist: gigantic leaps, highly virtuosic runs, and crossing of the hands that even today challenge every keyboard performer’s technique – and during Scarlatti’s times such refinements were absolutely revolutionary! And as if this were not enough, these sonatas, seemingly so very simple in form, constantly surprise us with their completely unconventional harmonic twists and turns.

Spanish Color
And then there is the Spanish color that makes Scarlatti’s sonatas so unique. Again and again we encounter reminiscences of traditional Andalusian dances – and above all of the flamenco. And how Scarlatti magically transfers guitar sounds to the keyboard is absolutely enthralling – for example, in the Sonata in F minor K 239 or the breathtaking note repetitions in the Sonata in G major K 455!

Mediterranean Flair
Eri Mantani knows how to generate this Mediterranean flair on the mighty Steinway D. Things glisten and sparkle to our joy, but melancholy moments also in no way are in short supply. This sound picture, crystal-clear even in stereo, should be fully relished in 3D – which makes this fine Super Audio CD a sumptuous audiophile experience.