Mozart: Piano Concerto in D Minor, K. 466, Scarlatti: 11 Sonatas
This important revival of some of the crown jewels of the old Westminster catalogue should not be missed. Clara Haskil was one of the great pianists of the past century and she's absolutely stunning here. In the Mozart, Haskil plays with classically contained passion, powerful drama, and beautiful tone, well captured by the vibrant transfer of the 1950 mono recording. Especially notable is her second movement, "Romance," played with a flowing tempo and the phrasing of a great opera singer. It's bursting with emotion, but never in an overly Romantic way. The orchestra's far from first-rate, but Haskil carries the day, and this is preferable to her stereo remake of a decade later. The 11 Scarlatti sonatas are done with such a blend of charm and virtuosity that you're left panting for more. Her playing is immaculate, the trills thrilling, the mood of each sonata perfectly captured. This is one of those rare don't-miss discs.--Dan Davis