International Piano

Wonderful to see John McCabe finally being recognised as a pianist. Recorded on a Bösendorfer in 1981, the sound of these revelatory Scarlatti and Clementi sonatas is astonishingly present. Nice to see more Scarlatti on the piano, too, especially since there are only two overlaps with Lucas Debargue’s superb new set. Both pianists revel in Scarlatti’s exploratory side. McCabe’s use of sustaining pedal and generous sound offer a full-fat experience. Debargue is leaner.

Both Horowitz and Michelangeli championed Clementi, and McCabe’s performances boast a special sort of advocacy, the finale of ‘Didone abbandonata’ (Op. 50/3) a case in point. McCabe sees Clementi’s music as powerful and multi-faceted. Witty, affectionate booklet notes complete an indispensible release.

—Colin Clarke