Iberia : Larrocha (1958), Iberia : Rosenthal / Paris Opera Orchestra, Piano Works : Barbier (Hybrid)(2SACD)

Scholars and audiences alike consider Iberia to be a marvel of the piano repertoire - a work that presents Albeniz as a true heir to Chopin and Liszt. The great Spanish pianist Alicia de Larrocha was a major exponent of the music of her country. Her performance of Iberia highlights the work's flamenco roots, exploring it's expressive luxuriance, Debussyian colors and oriental harmonies typical of the gypsy repertoire. Also heard here is Arbos's orchestration of five pieces from Iberia, featuring Manuel Rosenthal leading the Paris Opera Orchestra. To complete the disc, French pianist Jean-Joel Barbier, a master of the Spanish and French repertoire, performs a selection of Albeniz's solo piano works.