Recordings
Power, Passion and Ecstasy. Beethoven piano sonatas The Tempest, Pathetique and Opus 110
CRD Records CRD 3544
J S Bach ~ The Six Partitas (BWV 825 – 830)
“...Black’s intimate style …yields arresting results...lilting, relaxed and gorgeously inflected” - Gramophone
The partitas are works of the highest musicality and virtuosity. They have gained a reputation for their technical demands, but also give scope for the performer to impress upon them their own interpretation.
CRD Records CRD 35312
Domenico Scarlatti ~ Keyboard Sonatas
“Virginia Black’s long immersion in the music of Domenico Scarlatti is everywhere apparent in these assured, fluent accounts of 12 of his keyboard sonatas…Black exploits its resonance and its palette of colours to sustain lingering melodies and to paint exotic harmonies…throughout, her passion for this music shines through”
- BBC Classical Music Magazine
CRD Records CRD 3533
Jean–Philippe Rameau ~ Keyboard Works (1724, 1728)
“In these pieces of innovative and virtuosic writing, the English pianist combines, with undeniable technical brilliance, an eloquent articulation and remarkable rhythmic flexibility.”
- Sonograma Magazine (Spain)
“She (Black) is terrific at applying all of that background expertise to make these pieces sing and dance on the piano. …This is superlative pianism.”
- American Record Guide
CRD Records CRD 3536
W A Mozart ~ Sonatas No. 14, No. 13, No. 12 and No. 8
“…highly accomplished. Admirers of Virginia Black will undoubtedly enjoy this recording and hope for further volumes of Mozart sonatas.”
- MusicWeb International
CRD Records CRD 3538
J S Bach - Goldberg Variations & Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue
Many musicians would consider the Goldberg Variations as the zenith of Bach's writing for the keyboard. Certainly their invention, variation and mood changes, from the most ebullient to the most serious, form a fascinating whole, which charms, excites and calms the listener.
Collins Classics 70032-2
J C Bach - Harpsichord Sonatas
This elegant "salon" music, written when Johann Christian was living in London, is a delight both to play and to listen to. Deceptively simple in their structure, each turn of phrase is beautifully crafted, a wonderful sense of melodic line and symmetry are experienced.
CRD Records CRD 3453
Carl Philip Emanuel Bach ~ Sonatinen
Collegium Aureaum, Virginia Black (Harpsichord) and Eric Lynn Kelley (pianoforte).
Unlike the usual translation of 'Sonatine' (a brief piece, sometimes in one movement, for solo keyboard) these Sonatines are concerto-like works. C P E Bach experiments with tonal changes in the interplay between orchestra and soloist, resulting in extremely daring twists and eloquent slow movements.
EMI deutsche harmonia mundi CDC 7 47655 2
Domenico Scarlatti ~ Sonatas for Harpsichord
These sonatas represent just a small portion of Scarlatti's output (of over 550 sonatas) and run the gamut of every mood, tempo and key that form his exciting and poignant writing for the keyboard.
EMI deutsche harmonia mundi CDC 7 47654 2
Domenico Scarlatti ~ Sonatas for Harpsichord
The selection of sonatas here illustrates Scarlatti's virtuosic and innovative writing for the harpsichord. Every possible feature is included - crossing hands, fast repeated notes, rapid scale passages, plus quirky Spanish rhythms – a delight for player and listener alike.
CRD Records CRD 3442
Antonio Soler ~ Harpsichord Sonatas
These sonatas are born out of Scarlatti's style of writing for the keyboard, but are infinitely more Spanish in their approach. They have been described as having an infectious sense of happiness - certainly felt by the performer!
CRD Records CRD 3452
The Essential Harpsichord
The Essential Harpsichord is a tour around Europe, from London, to Germany, Italy, Spain and finally to France. It showcases the most well-known and loved harpsichord repertoire of these countries in the Baroque era.
Collins Classics 50242