MANUEL ESPONA (1714-1779): Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 - Sonatas para Tecla, Vol. 1: Nos. 1-7, 9, 11-13, 16, 17 & 24.

Description: A Catalan contemporary of Scarlatti, Espona is known now, if at all, as the teacher of Antonio Soler, one of the fathers of Spanish keyboard literature. Espona’s sonatas are notably individual in nature, leaving behind the typical Italian-influenced tradition of the first half of the 18th century, as exemplified by Joan Baptista Cabanilles. This is reflected not only in the way he develops a highly original musical discourse, but also in his choice of key for each sonata, his modulations, his painstaking and elaborate ornamentation, his innovative rhythmic textures and a whole host of personal touches that lift these sonatas above the keyboard music of his contemporaries. Like many of those written by Soler, Espona’s sonatas are characterized by their galant style, without foregoing moments of virtuosity, brilliance and restrained lyricism. Melani Mestre (piano).