If the Alpha label had done nothing more than return
Gustav Leonhardt to the studio, it would still be one of the best contemporary classical record companies. That everything else about its releases -- the sound, the liner notes, even the reproductions on the covers -- is as good or better than what any other classical company manages is only icing on the cake.
Leonhardt has been one of the finest harpsichordists in the world for more than 40 years, and his recordings of the repertoire from
Frescobaldi to
Bach have been the standards against which all other recordings have been judged. But
Leonhardt had made no recordings for most of the last decade, and listeners began to wonder if he ever would again. Now, with his fourth release for Alpha, listeners can finally relax, confident in the knowledge that
Leonhardt has indeed returned.
This 2005 disc of keyboard music by
Byrd finds
Leonhardt at the top of his form. As always, his technique is secure, and nothing in
Byrd's virtuoso writing is beyond him. And, as always, his musicianship is assured, and nothing in
Byrd's sensitive music is beyond him.
Leonhardt's Pavanes are stately yet soulful, his Galliards are exciting yet playful, his character pieces are amusing yet graceful, and his closing Fantasia is controlled yet colorful. If one could have a complaint about this disc, it is that at 52 minutes, it might seem too short. But so full of delight and wonder are
Leonhardt's performances that only a curmudgeon would dare criticize them.