Alicia de Larrocha's valedictory recording of Goyescas, from 1989 (her fourth, I believe), gains extra fullness and amplitude in this 24-bit transfer. Her seasoned mastery of Granados' complex textures and innate affinity for his colorful idiom assert themselves in every measure. What sets this recording apart from the pianist's earlier traversals lies in her pared down rubatos and less fanciful phrasing. This results in a greater overall unity throughout the final two pieces. On the other hand, there's much to be said for Larrocha's earlier spontaneity and fire. Compare, for example, El fandango de candil's heel-clicking accentuation and rhythmic verve in the Decca recording to the pianist's relatively sober rethinking, or consider the pliable delicacy of her earlier Maiden and the Nightingale next to RCA's more assertive and marginally less magical account. Likewise, the six pieces culled from Granados' Danzas Espanolas cycle can't be bettered in terms of stylish authority and timing, and they recapture most (if not all) of the suppleness that distinguishes Larrocha's earlier, less well recorded Decca traversals. For sound, performance, and price, you won't find a more recommendable Goyescas. [12/13/2004]

--Jed Distler