Label: Ensayo – ENY-701
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Spain
Released: 1975
Genre: Classical
Style: Contemporary
Single LP of time-dialating piano music from Spanish composer Mompou (NM)
One of the greatest aspects of running this store is often being on the receiving end of tipoffs from regular customers, many of whom are often much deeper in pursuit of new discoveries than I could ever be. One of the best for some time came via @netofgems with this vast box of piano music written by Mompou, spanning from the early 1900s to late 1960s. The ghost of Erik Satie lingers amongst the shadows of most of these miniaturist pieces, often fairly short, intimate, atmospheric and relatively improvised. Alongside Satie, Mompou draws influence from French impressionists Debussy, Ravel and also Chopin, Scriabin and given his career could be considered within the linage of these foundational composers. Yet interestingly these recordings capture Mompou playing his own music, a phenomenon which never occurred for any of the previously mentioned minimalist ancestors all having died before the recording practices we know today. So, we can assume we’re hearing the real thing, each nuance within these pieces phrased and enunciated to perfection. It’s a world in itself, each note struck before evaporating into the next, occasionally flourishing with recognisable motifs. It’s a hefty undertaking, but I genuinely can’t think of a better musical companion for half a day spent in quiet reflection. By every definition, timeless.
Tracklist
Impresiones Intimas (1911-1914)
A1a Planys I, II, III, IV
A1b Pájaro Triste - La barca - Cuna - Secreto - Gitano
Pessebres (1914-1917)
A2 Dansa - L'ermita - El Pastor
A3 Canción De Cuna (1951)
Scenes D' Enfants (1915-1918)
B1 Cris Dans La Rue - Jeux I, II, III - Jeunes Filles Au Jardin
B2 Dialogues I-II (1923)
Souvenirs De L'Exposition (1937)
B3a I. Entrée
B3b II. Tableaux De Statistiques
B3c III. Planetaire
B3d IV. Pavillon De L'élégance
Charmes (1920-1921)
B4a I. Pour Endormir La Souffrance
B4b II. Pour Pénétrer Les Ames
B4c III. Pour Inspirer L'amour
B4d IV. Pour les Guérisons
B4e V. Pour Évoquer L'image Du Passé
B4f VI. Pour Appeler La Joie
