> Kabalevsky: Preludes Op.5 and 38, Preludes and Fugues, Alexandre Dossin (piano), Naxos CD.
24 Preludes Op.38 (1943-4) follow Chopin's model of alternating major and minor keys, drawing on folk melodies.
I loved the contrast of thundering bass in No.10, followed by sprightly joy in No.11, allegretto scherzando. No.13 is based on the same tune Stravinsky used in the finale of The Firebird. Like Shostakovich, Kabalevsky embarked on his own series of Preludes and Fugues but only completed six.
The Brazilian-born pianist (winner of the 2003 Martha Agerich International Piano Competition and special prize) is outstanding, well recorded.
Highlight: lively and expressive piano playing.
> Music of 17th-century Italy and Spain. Latitude 37. ABC Classics CD.
Plus three guest artists, they play 17th-century music from Italy and Spain, the "pop" music of that time, with excursions into the bass lines of earlier days.
Hear such instruments as viola da gamba, lirone, theorbo, and racket with baroque violin, harpsichord or organ in very accomplished reconstructions or improvisations.
Featured works include Amarilli mia bella by Caccini and Io son ferito ahi Lasso by Castello, as well as works by Frescobaldi, Piccinini, etc.
Highlight: unusual instrumental sounds.
