Pierre Hantai - Scarlatti 4 (2016)

A fourth volume of Domenico Scarlatti's Sonatas from the doyen of French harpsichordists, Pierre Hantaï, of whom Gramophone said: 'an astonishing display of dexterity in which the harpsichord he uses (a 1999 copy of an anonymous Thuringian instrument of 1720) and the acoustic help in preserving total clarity. Even at maximum velocity (did Scarlatti and his pupil reach such speeds?) he manages to shape his phrases with micro-second dwellings. It isn't only the speedy sonatas that are impressive; Kk208 exemplifies his skilful shifts to either side of the pulse in giving the lines a natural 'vocal' quality. It also illuminates Kk185, 310, 199 and 162, in the last of which it's more evident in the playful quicker 'interludes'. The irresistible disc is splendidly annotated by Hantaï and beautifully packaged.' Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

Tracklist:
01. Keyboard Sonata in A Major, K. 212: Allegro molto
02. Keyboard Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, K. 247: Allegro (played in D Minor)
03. Keyboard Sonata in G Major, K. 144: Cantabile
04. Keyboard Sonata in C Major, K. 133: Allegro
05. Keyboard Sonata in F Minor, K. 204: Allegro
06. Keyboard Sonata in A Major, K. 279: Andante
07. Keyboard Sonata in A Major, K. 533: Allegro assai
08. Keyboard Sonata in A Major, K. 405: Allegro
09. Keyboard Sonata in E Minor, K. 402: Andante
10. Keyboard Sonata in E Major, K. 403: Allegro
11. Keyboard Sonata in E Major, K. 381: Allegro
12. Keyboard Sonata in A Major, K. 208: Adagio e cantabile
13. Keyboard Sonata in A Major, K. 456: Allegro
14. Keyboard Sonata in A Major, K. 457: Allegro
15. Keyboard Sonata in C Minor, K. 302: Andante
16. Keyboard Sonata in G Major, K. 201: Vivo
17. Keyboard Sonata in D Major, K. 45: Allegro