Óscar Esplà - Scherzo

Performed by Martin Jones.
Original audio: • Scherzo, Op. 5
Hidden gem by Spanish composer Óscar Esplà. It is sadly very hard to find scores or recordings of this VERY underrated composer. Very delicate use of chromatism and very interesting (and challenging to play) textures and polyrhythms, yet maintaining a playful, almost naïve sound for most the piece (unlike Chopin's not-really-scherzante scherzos xd). I do wish the pianist would have given more time for the music to rest in some parts, but eh. He does have a VERY nice touch throughout the performance though, and I honestly find the way he transmits the overall vibe of this piece is just on point.
If you liked this piece, you might enjoy his Sonata Española (Spanish Sonata), of which I especially recommend Alicia de Larrocha's performance. Planning on doing a video of it sometime soon.
Also check out his Sinfonía Aitana (Aitana Symphony), his magnum opus (there's no score available for that one, sadly)
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Scherzo
06:21 - Credits

[@marionicolasquintomora]

Muy buen vídeo!! Representando a los compositores alicantinos! 👏

[@CharlioXD]

🤍💙

[@SCRIABINIST]

A bit like Albeniz and Granados in some ways, texture wise closer to early Debussy

[@CharlioXD]

honestly some passages like the one at ~1:03 kinda remind me of Godowsky's sonata

[@brandonswing6046]

Why is it notated so strangely, like he’s trying to notate the entire pedal into the score?

[@CharlioXD]

which part are you talking about?