Maria Carreras - La Fontaine. Liszt and Bach from the Golden Age (LP)

Maria Carreras, a name synonymous with virtuosity and elegance, presents her latest album, "La Fontaine. Liszt and Bach from the Golden Age." This exquisite collection, released on March 5, 2024, under the Novus Promusica label, is a testament to Carreras' profound musicality and her ability to breathe new life into classical masterpieces.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 47 minutes, the album is a journey through the works of two titans of classical music: Franz Liszt and Johann Sebastian Bach. Carreras' interpretations are not merely performances; they are conversations with the composers, revealing the depth and nuance of their compositions.

The album opens with Liszt's "La Fleurie, Ou La Tendre Nannette," arranged for solo piano by Jeanne-Marie Darrédarré, showcasing Carreras' delicate touch and expressive range. She then navigates through Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsodies" and "Paganini Etudes" with a technical prowess that is as awe-inspiring as it is captivating.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Bach's works, including selections from the "Well-Tempered Clavier," "French Suite No.6," and "Partita No. 1." Carreras' renditions are marked by a clarity and precision that bring Bach's intricate counterpoint to the forefront, while her phrasing and dynamics imbue each piece with a sense of narrative and emotional resonance.

Throughout the album, Carreras' playing is characterized by a remarkable balance of technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity. Her interpretations are deeply personal, yet they remain faithful to the spirit of the original compositions. Whether she is tackling the virtuosic demands of Liszt's "Don Giovanni: Fantasia" or the contemplative beauty of Bach's "Prelude in E Minor," Carreras' playing is consistently engaging and thought-provoking.

"La Fontaine. Liszt and Bach from the Golden Age" is not just an album; it is a celebration of the enduring power of classical music and a testament to Maria Carreras' extraordinary talent. It is a collection that will delight both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers to the world of classical piano, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the very best of the golden age of classical music.