Although one could hope for more variety in repertory between multiple Frescobaldi listings, the same works seem to show up regularly in recitals for good reason.
The present performance has become the most accomplished to date, uniting the almost whimsically rhetorical passagework with the lightning virtuosity of some sections. Making sense of all this and achieving a real style of interpretation in Frescobaldi's music has been a slow process, and Häkkinen takes an important step. The sonorities of his instrument are also particularly pleasing, with a nice variety at times.
Of course, at some point, I cannot help but believe that an Italian performer will produce a truly striking rendition.
Todd M. McComb