“played so colourfully, brightly and thrillingly”

Interpretation 5/6, Sound 5/6, Repertoire value 6/6

Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz (1860-1909), to give him his full name, tends to share the fate of Smetana (“Vltava”) and Górecki (“Symphony of Sorrowful Songs”). He too is generally reduced to a single work: “Iberia”. Just how bitterly unfair that is, to the Spanish-born and adoptive French composer, is clear from this CD, in which his collected (extant) sonatas 3-5 can be heard, together with the two exceedingly charming Suites Anciennes. In fact Albéniz wrote a total of seven sonatas in the 1880s; but only a single movement each remains of numbers 1 and 7, and all trace has been lost of numbers 2 and 6. The three surviving sonatas provide ample compensation for this loss, especially when they are played so colourfully, brightly and thrillingly as here by the young British pianist Sebastian Stanley.

The Spaniard’s sonatas always maintain a classical, conservative and nobly-dignified style. Stanley by no means disregards that, but nevertheless succeeds in leaving behind the “flatlands of well-proportioned form” (to coin a phrase), and allowing the works to appear young, fresh and even a bit cheeky. Yes, this is exactly how one would wish the past to be confronted, because *tradition is the handing-on of the fire and not the worship of the ashes.

—Burkard Schäfer, Piano News Magazine

“An outstanding talent.”

Members of Newport Music Club, and more, turned out in force on a rainy Saturday evening to welcome back pianist Sebastian Stanley who proved to the town why he so deserves his ever growing reputation as such an outstanding young talent … A feature of his playing that I found particularly remarkable was his ability in the lower register to make the lowest notes of the keyboard sound so rich and lyrical … Rapturous applause was met by an encore of the last piano piece Brahms ever wrote, full of style and beauty which when combined with the exquisite playing of Sebastian Stanley made for a stunning end to a stunning concert.

— Newport Advertiser

“Wonderfully sensitive”

Sebastian Stanley was born in La Linea which shows his Spanish roots and, I think, results in a close love and affinity for Spanish music if this disc (El Amor y la Muerta) is anything to go by. It is always sobering to learn that so prodigious a talent stems from a desire to learn the piano following a concert he attended aged 12! When I say prodigious talent I mean it for this young pianist is a perfect exponent of this beautiful music, knowing when to be quiet in relevant passages but able to roar when necessary. I have really enjoyed reviewing this disc and will eagerly look out for more of them from this wonderfully sensitive young pianist.

— MusicWeb International

“Masterful technique.”

… This latest double-CD release includes more music by Enrique Granados - his 12 Spanish Dances and the highly ornamented Goyescas, subtitled Los majos enamorados (The Gallants in Love) … Sebastian Stanley plays this beautiful, intricate music with innate sympathy and masterful technique. Sleeve notes are by the renowned Granados scholar and author Dr Walter Aaron Clark

— New Classics

“Beguiling to the ear.”

… I have nothing but praise for the set (Granados Goyescas and Spanish Dances) … Stanley turns his back on outward display and concentrates on the music, its subtleties, colours, and, above all, its unique inflections. Both Goyescas and the Danzas are intensely nationalistic, with turns and phrases superbly executed by Stanley. As a colourist he has an instinctive feel for embellishments and their ties to the folk music of the Iberian peninsula. He also makes superb use of the pedal, knowing the precise moment to press and release for maximum effect.

For all his considerably qualities, fortunately none of this playing comes across as too studied. What we do hear is an uncanny feeling for performing as if the music were part of a grand improvisation … I would not choose to be without this newcomer. The interpretation is beguiling to the ear and reaches the heart as few others have done.

— American Record Guide

“Mesmerising”

At the beginning of March, Aldenham School's music department played host to what was an astonishing display of virtuosity, from a young and talented artist, Sebastian Stanley, an international soloist … Refinement, excitement, and sheer musicianship were laid before his audience as Sebastian engaged with the music of Haydn, Schubert, Liszt, Albeniz, Chopin, Mompou and Wagner, at the school's Yamaha grand piano, kindly donated by the Davis family two years ago. Having studied under such names as Olga Kern, John Lill, and Christopher Elton, Stanley proves himself worthy of the highest praise … Liszt's Tarantella was breath-taking in both its speed and its accuracy, and in its delicate shaping, an all too rare combination!

—Watford Observer

“An exceptional gift”

… it was when he turned his attentions to Spanish music that he made us realise that his, was an exceptional gift. In case we were too carried away by such seductive sounds he finished by giving a polished and indeed flawless performance of the second book of Brahms Paganini Variations, than which there is no greater technical challenge. We were indeed fortunate to experience this young man's playing so early is his career for he is certainly destined for the finest concert-halls.

—Little Gaddesden Music Club