DOMENICO SCARLATTI (1685-1757): Sonatas Kk 491, 454, 239, 466, 342 and 146, LUCIANO BERIO (1925-2003): 6 Encores, FRANZ SCHUBERT (1797-1828): 6 Moments musicaux, JÖRG WIDMANN (b.1973): Idyll and Abyss I-VI.

Description: Lucchesini conceived the idea of juxtaposing these works in concert programs, which was enthusiastically received by both contemporary composers. Berio's little pieces were written over a long period of time, and reflect changing preoccupations in his piano writing, from atonal and pointillistic to (surprisingly) tonal in Wasserklavier, which the pianist highlights by bracketing it between two Scarlatti sonatas in the same key, and rushing, tonal-center based cascades in the last two numbers. Interspersing them among Scarlatti sonatas that share some aspects of keyboard texture with them serves to highlight Berio's connection to and enthusiasm for music of all periods, as seen in his own transcriptions of folk and early music. Widmann has long drawn inspiration from Schubert (and other Romantics), and the six pieces of Idyll and Abyss explore and amplify the powerful emotions and contrasts running beneath the surface of works like the Moments musicaux. Schubertian melodies are surrounded by modern accompaniments, or suddenly break out in vehement, extrovert expression of the deep passions that Schubert only hints at. Andrea Lucchesini (piano).