Mompou, Federico: Cancons I Danzas (Newton Classics Audio CD)  

Alicia De Larrocha
Spanish Songs And Dances

Federico Mompou is one of those composers who tends to pass under the radar. Treasured by fellow composers; beloved of pianists; in many ways more analogous in his work to a poet than a crafter of notes. He was a Catalan who quietly lived through the region’s turbulent 20th century, dying in Barcelona in 1987. He had no children, either physically or musically – no students to speak of, and few who could emulate his style which seemed to belong to any period and none. The notes themselves often come and go without fuss,
leaving few traces behind, and in that sense his music inhabits the world of Fauré and Satie; the most definite trace could be said to be the composer’s own recordings, made in 1974.

Although they’re not rhythmically complex, making these songs and dances sing and dance is harder than it looks. Alicia de Larrocha was at a distinct advantage, knowing the retiring composer as well as she did and having the whole of Spanish piano music under her fingers. This is a late recording of hers, suffused with light and warmth.

"As one who knew Mompou well and was the dedicatee of some of his pieces (including the
Prelude No.11 which was written as a wedding present for her in 1949), Alicia de Larrocha is in an almost unique position as an interpreter of his music, of which she again shows herself here a splendid champion… Larrocha’s performances and the warm, natural recorded piano sound are both in the highest class."
Gramophone