Iberia (complete); Suite Espagnole; Piano Sonata No. 5 in G-flat; other piano works (Rec 1968-1974)

"With all due respect to Alica De Larrocha's long-presumed ownership of Spanish Impressionist keyboard repertoire, when it comes to Albéniz, the late Esteban Sánchez easily rivals his more famous compatriot, and then some. If Larrocha's approach to the Iberia suite is analogous to Arthur Rubinstein's Chopin for rhythmic snap and joie de vivre, Sánchez's interpretation relates to the darker, more personalized colorations characterizing Alfred Cortot's Chopin. Outstretched rubatos in the rhapsodic Almeria and Jerez, for example, milk the music's harmonic tension to the nth degree, while the pianist's bottomless arsenal of nuances, articulations, and pedal effects juggle the composer's idiosyncratic textures like a past master tossing off a round of three-dimensional chess. Notice how effortlessly he clarifies the polyphonic trajectory in thickly scored climaxes such as those in Triana and Corpus Christi en Sevilla. And you'll make safe passage through La Vega's smoldering labyrinths, although there's nothing safe concerning Sánchez's impassioned performance of this rarely heard large-scale work. The small pieces are no less deliciously played. While the sonics are close-up and boxy, you still perceive Sánchez's extraordinary tonal genius and communicative immediacy. No Albéniz fan can afford to miss these amazing recordings."
(ClassicsToday)

Esteban Sanchez is one of Spain's best-kept secrets. In his young years he built up an impressive international career, but later he retreated to his homeland, to teach and enjoy life. Alfred Cortot called him "A musical genius of the 20-th century" and Daniel Barenboim said: "How is it possible that Spain has hidden away a performer of such class?"
Especially in the music of his compatriots Esteban Sanchez revealed his genius, in his unique command over colouring and rhythm, timing and imagination. This set offers his legendary recordings from the seventies for the Spanish Ensayo label, in music of Isaac Albeniz, including of course his towering performance of "Iberia", one of the greatest and most demanding piano cycles of the 20-th century.

The original piano tone is restored to full glory by 21-st century technology.