REVIEW: “Excellent pianist”

LA VANGUARDIA – Jaume Radigales. Auditori of Barcelona, Sala Oriol Martorell. July 16th 2009. Debussy: Images Book II; Brotons: Impromptu Op. 37; Manuel De Falla: Fantasia Baetica; F. Chopin: Scherzo 1, 2, 3 i 4. “The career of Alex Alguacil is developing in a way closely related with the talent of a pianist who is, undoubtlessly, a virtuoso. He showed his abilities in his second appearance in Barcelona’s Auditori, with a program to “settle down” things. If one had to choose from the program, Debussy’s second book of Images would be my favorite one, performed with clear lines, immaculate phrasing and an intelligent pedalling. Same happened with the Piazolla as a second encore, as if Alguacil had wanted to conclude his circle of perfection. The recital followed up with the Impromptu Op. 37 by the Catalan composer Salvador Brotons, where the incisive energy of the pianist was substancially shown. The first half concluded with the Fantasia Baetica, resolved with extreme contrasts, maybe excessive, very distant from the taste of the aforementioned piece by Debussy. It was after the intermission, and with Chopin’s 4 Scherzi , where Alguaci’ls virtuous and vigorous playing found its place, trying to pursue the exact meaning of the sound that supports the musical speech.  His skills are of a good quality, his potential unarguable and the talent wide for an intelligent pianist with a secure projection in the piano scene.” More info.