Alicia de Larrocha (pianist) Decca set [41 CDs]

[Lance]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com ... SY355_.jpg
Decca 483 4120, 41 CDs + booklet

Having loved De Larrocha from her initial American Decca recordings (out-of-tune piano and all), I have followed her career to the end. She recorded for American Decca (monly only), British Decca, RCA, EMI, Hispavox, DGG (from American Decca), and has appeared on a few other independent labels. While she detested recording, it was her father who recognized the value of leaving a recorded legacy, and because of that, she recorded ... and prolifically. Always known especially for interpretation of Spanish piano music, her discography is extensive with most of the major composers, supplemented by some not regularly performed or recorded. The Hispavox recordings are licensed by EMI-Odeon, who previously issued those discs, and DGG who initially released the American Decca recordings.

This is an outstanding presentation to one of the Great Ladies of the keyboard, not to be missed by pianophiles, and fortunately, the price seems to be coming down. Included is a booklet with articles by her daughter, André Previn, Jed Distler, and full documentation of all the recordings and venues. All the CDs carry the original artwork in this limited edition.

Very highly recommended especially if you don't already own many of her recordings.

[RebLem]

​Alicia de Larrocha's cycle of the Mozart piano sonatas are among my favorites.


I own the following sets, listed alphabetically: Eschenbach, Gieseking, Kraus, Larrocha, Uchida, and Wurtz.
I like Gieseking best for structure, Larrocha best for details and ornamentation and phrasing.

[maestrob]

Alicia de Larrocha has a special place in our hearts, and this set will definitely be under our Christmas tree. I love her playing, although how she managed to wrap her small hands around the Khachaturian concerto is a mystery to me! I have most of her Mozart concerti with Colin Davis, & they are sublime. This set contains much of her non-Spanish repertoire that I don't have, so we'll be looking forward to acquiring it. It's in my cart as we speak!

[barney]

Decca Eloquence - the ultra budget arm in Australia - put out heaps of her piano recordings in the past couple of years. Plus of course the many I acquired over the years, such as the Mozart. I think I have at least 30 de Larrocha CDs, so I won't get this one.

[Lance]

Maybe you'll get a free review copy! Indeed, Australian Eloquence is a godsend! I have many of their issues. Used to be one could only get them from Australia, but Amazon and others now carry the line.

Decca Eloquence - the ultra budget arm in Australia - put out heaps of her piano recordings in the past couple of years. Plus of course the many I acquired over the years, such as the Mozart. I think I have at least 30 de Larrocha CDs, so I won't get this one.

[Lance]

The more I'm into this set, the more I am happy I got it. de Larrocha was, indeed, a very special pianist. I can't think of another pianist that does with Granados, Albeniz, and Mompou that de Larrocha does. I know her daughter wrote a book recently on the life of the pianist but I have not yet been able to determine if it is available in English. Anybody know?