Granados: Dante (Symphonic Poem), Misc. Popular Pieces - CD

"A simmering first recording of Granados' luscious Dante and strong performances of Goyescas and Piezas, all vividly recorded. Dante is a find, a two-part symphonic poem, the first section not quite Tchaikovskian, using luscious post-Wagnerian chromaticism which even brings voluptuous hints of Scriabin and early Schoenberg... When Francesca tells her story, there are even hints of Puccini. The vocal entry, beautifully prepared, is longingly and entreatingly sung by Herrera... How beautifully they introduce the bewitching highlight of Goyescas, 'La maja y el ruiseinor' ! simply and beautifully sung by Lucey. Anselm Ferrer's orchestration of the Piezas sobre cantos populares re-creates the music in orchestral terms, to make an entertaining centrepiece in a first-class collection, richly recorded." (Gramophone)