Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli.Scarlatti -seconda parte-

[FernandRaynaud]

So many imitators have taken this piece at full speed and lost it in the turns, or just never rendered its musical phrases. Michelangeli managed something very subtle, primarily by barely touching the pedal. On harpsichord this piece is not ideal, Scott Ross' version for instance is not fantastic. It benefits from dynamics. It is on a light action Fortepiano or on a good clavichord that it can best come to life. Michelangeli's strong technique makes that Steinway work like a Fortepiano.

[shilloshillos]

Like a batshot out of hell!

[kithara46]

One of the great techniques of the 20th century--but is the character of the piece well served by this tempo? Also, Michelangeli, like most pianists, it seems, ignores the composer's specific instructions to EXCHANGE the hands that cross in the middle of the protracted pedal points (bars 11-16 and 47-53). This simplification rejects a significant technical challenge of the "essercizo" and significantly detracts from the subtlety of the piece.

[Dbsabzbzb]

That is certainly a fine demonstration of playing fast. Having arrived so quickly at the destination left me longing to have enjoyed the journey more.

[bivala]

strepitoso