When is a Reconstruction Not a Reconstruction?

 

When it's not?

My main problem with Melani Mestre's reconstruction of the Granados Concerto Patético is his conception of it as a three-movement work.

The actual first movement, taken from fragments left behind by the composer and filled in by Mestre, is compelling. This is fully realizing some of what is here will be Granados and some Mestre, which is not an issue for me.

What a surprise the work begins as a formidable, grouchy-feeling piano solo. The writing is baffling, offering a modernist view from the composer.

Now, why take existing piano works from Granados and add them as speculative movements, and well known ones at that? Just list them separately. There is no thematic carry-through with their addition, and the bright, exotic tone of the orchestrations clash with the seriousness of the opening. As standalone orchestrated miniatures, they work just fine, plus it adds some of the Spanish spice some listeners will be looking for from these composers.

Well...that is the bulk of my issues, and it is more an issue of intent than anything which is actually performed here. I really like Albéniz's Concierto Fantástico, although it will surprise some not hearing this composer's Iberia voice. His Rapsodia Española is a drowsy work, not nearly as colorful as the title implies.

 

A review from 2024

I bear no ill will towards this recording, but in general, it failed to capture my imagination.


Albéniz’s Concierto Fantástico is probably my favorite, for I like its grand, Romantic gestures. The middle portion, which everyone seems to like best, is equally charming. With a title such as Rapsodia Española, I expected a little more Spanish exoticism, where the composer prefers the hang in the style of the Concerto with occasional bursts of the exotic.


I wish pianist Melani Mestre had left Granados’ Concerto Patético as one stirring movement; it is dark and growly, almost approaching modernism; a surprise from the composer. The idea and addition of two more ‘movements’ is insincere, as they are merely orchestrations of previously existing piano solos. These two other orchestrations are colourful and swirling, and decent showpieces at that.


I have no problem with the playing of Mestre nor the BBC Scottish SO under Martyn Brabbins. The program however can be a mixed bag.

 

Listen on YouTube

 

 

Works
Concierto Fantástico (27.49)
Rapsodia Española (13.14)
Concerto Patético (35.53)

Performers
Melani Mestre, piano
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins, conductor

Label: Hyperion
Year: 2015
Total Timing: 76.58

 

 

Surprisingly, not my cup of tea.

It doesn't all rest on the concept of recreating Granados' Piano Concerto, but I do have problems with it all the same.

Hyperion offers a lot of music here, though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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