Scarlatti Illuminated

Onyx presents a Scarlatti recital with a twist. Joseph Moog has assembled a fascinating survey of Scarlatti Sonatas that also includes a selection of the 18th-century master's works as re-composed by some of the giants of the piano keyboard from the 19th and 20th centuries. The drama contained in Scarlatti's short, one-movement sonatas has always exerted a hold over both musicians and listeners. The development of the piano in the 19th century provided too great a temptation for composer pianist Carl Tausig, a rival of Chopin and star pupil of Liszt, to ignore these works. He, along with Ignaz Friedman exploited the drama and poetry in Scarlatti's music, using the new grand piano to its full extent. Walter Gieseking's Chaconne, a fantastical composition on a theme by Scarlatti, forms the centerpiece of Moog s unique and fascinating recital.