Francesco Nicolosi’s Scarlatti playing is unabashedly pianistic in its wide dynamic range, discreet octave transpositions in the bass register, and liberal yet never garish use of the sustain pedal. You couldn’t imagine a period harpsichord replicating the massive sound Nicolosi unleashes in the D minor K. 52’s slow chords, nor the G minor K. 111’s split-second forte/piano contrasts in echoed phrases. The pianist’s excellent technique particularly shines in the G major K. 79’s scurrying figurations, although a lighter, more supple touch and greater variety of nuance would elevate the two A major pieces (K. 344 and K. 456) from good to memorable. Furthermore, the lyrical D minor K. 77 finds Nicolosi’s attention fixed on the right-hand line, while the left hand mostly remains in the background. By all means, acquire this release if you’re collecting the Naxos Scarlatti cycle as it appears. However, for a similar interpretive perspective, Konstantin Scherbakov on Volume 6 offers more individual and rarified artistry.
