Granados Goyescas 12 Danzes espanolas l Escenas romanticas Jean-Francois Heisser This CD of pianist Jean-Francois Heisser is a good introduction to Granados' works. Heisser plays with ample amounts of panache, Spanish flair, and bravura. His technique is quite clear and transparent, definitely a necessity for these works. He does have an occasional tendency to slow the tempo too much to achieve musical affect where other alterations (such as tone or dynamics) would be equally effective, but for the most part his pacing and phrasing is appropriate and enjoyable. Perhaps the pinnacle achievement of this set is "Quejas, o La maja y el ruisenor" from Goyescas. Heisser does quite well coupling the sensual and romantic with the occasional piquant ornamentation. The character-filled 12 Danzas Espanolas are equally fiery and captivating and have fewer instances of the unnecessary ritardandos. Apex's recorded sound is also enjoyable; the piano is warm while still maintaining sufficiently clear articulation.
6 VI Rondalla Aragonesca: Allegretto, Poco a Poco Accellerando
7 VII Valenciana: Allegro Airoso
8 VIII Asturiana: Assai Moderato
9 IX Mazurca: Molto Allegro Brillante
10 X Tonadilla 'Danza Triste': Allegretto
11 XI Zambra: Largo a Piacer-Andante Con Moto
12 XII Arabesca: Andante
13 I Mazurca: Poco Lento Con Abbandono-Recitativo-Lento
14 II Lullaby: Lento
15 III the Poet and the Nightengale: Lento Con Extasis, Appassionatamente
16 IV Allegretto
17 V Allegro Appassionato
18 VI Epilogo: Andante Spianato, Con Exaltacion Poetica
Granados Goyescas 12 Danzes espanolas l Escenas romanticas Jean-Francois Heisser This CD of pianist Jean-Francois Heisser is a good introduction to Granados' works. Heisser plays with ample amounts of panache, Spanish flair, and bravura. His technique is quite clear and transparent, definitely a necessity for these works. He does have an occasional tendency to slow the tempo too much to achieve musical affect where other alterations (such as tone or dynamics) would be equally effective, but for the most part his pacing and phrasing is appropriate and enjoyable. Perhaps the pinnacle achievement of this set is "Quejas, o La maja y el ruisenor" from Goyescas. Heisser does quite well coupling the sensual and romantic with the occasional piquant ornamentation. The character-filled 12 Danzas Espanolas are equally fiery and captivating and have fewer instances of the unnecessary ritardandos. Apex's recorded sound is also enjoyable; the piano is warm while still maintaining sufficiently clear articulation.
