Seymour Hayden Scarlatti By Hayden

Seymour Hayden plays Scarlatti quite well. He doesn't select the sonatas in Kirkpatrick pairs, which I consider a failing. But he does play repeats (unembellished, but they are there). His playing is lively, conveying the sense of fun that is a major part of Scarlatti's writing. His harpsichord has a very attractive sound, too, which is captured by the excellent recording. One of Hayden's interpretive ideas, a strange pause in K. 525, spoils the piece completely. And I wouldn't want to pretend that his performances are as compelling as Kipnis's (Chesky CD 75). But this is a worthwhile Scarlatti collection for people who need another one. --Leslie Gerber