Cabezón is a singular figure during the origin period of modern instrumental music, obviously a genius composer who was able to forge new formal idioms to suit the keyboard, based both on prior works & on original materials. His music also continues to have real resonance with me.
However, I also don't feel as though there's ever been truly a "great" Cabezón release, i.e. a set or album that really seems to set a new interpretive standard across his major works....
Some people do regard the present items that way, and as it's been more than a decade since their release, I guess I start to feel a larger stature for them as well. And I'd originally included only the double CD Complete Tientos and Variations program here, i.e. the original materials, but particularly given the stature of Wilson's set rising, decided to add the Glosas to this entry as well.... (So this is now the complete keyboard music, or at least Wilson's version of completeness.)
In hindsight, the Glosas — basically instrumental arrangements of famous vocal works of the period — are probably also some of Cabezón's best material, even as the Tientos and Variations are more uniquely his own....
I do also enjoy these interpretations: They are articulate & consistent, and so good especially for contrasting various pieces played in the same style. I also have a general preference for harpsichord performances of music from this era....
Todd M. McComb Updated: 16 April 2024