Blasco de Nebra: Complete Piano Works

Piquero, Pedro

PCL 10324

Manuel Blasco de Nebra (1750–1784) was a Spanish composer and virtuoso pianist whose keyboard music remains a hidden gem of the Classical era. Born in Seville, Blasco de Nebra was deeply influenced by the rich musical heritage of Spain, blending its lyrical and expressive traditions with the emerging classical styles of the late 18th century.

His surviving piano works, though limited in number, show a combination of technical brilliance, harmonic sophistication, and emotional depth. These compositions, primarily intended for harpsichord or fortepiano, consist of sonatas and Pastorellas. They are characterized by elegant melodic lines, intricate ornamentation, and an innovative use of texture that foreshadowed Romantic tendencies.

Blasco de Nebra’s music often features sudden dynamic contrasts, suspensions, and a poignant lyrical quality, reflecting the influence of Domenico Scarlatti and the Spanish folk tradition. The Sonatas are especially notable for their emotional range, moving seamlessly between introspection and exuberance. Meanwhile, the Pastorellas, with their pastoral character and light-hearted charm, offer a glimpse into his ability to create vivid and evocative atmospheres.

Although he passed away tragically young, Blasco de Nebra’s work provides a valuable bridge between the Baroque and Classical eras, with a distinctively Spanish flavor.

Played with intense concentration, eloquence and charm by Spanish pianist Pedro Piquero. Born in Seville in 1976, he received his musical training in Spain with Esteban Sánchez and in the United States with Caio Pagano. The pianist Maria João Pires invited him in in 2002 to reside in the Belgais Center for Arts in Portugal. He has won several awards and the following has been written of him: "Piquero exceeds himself … a glorious blend of Glenn Gould and Carlos Kleiber" (Melómano); "this is a genuine recording landmark … the very highest quality" (El País). Pedro Piquero is also a Soto Zen Buddhist monk, disciple of the Japanese Master Gudō Wafu Nishijima.

Works:

• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 1 in C minor
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 10 in C major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 107 in G major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 108 in E minor
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 109 in A minor
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 11 in A major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 110 in D major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 111 in A flat major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 112 in C minor
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 12 in F major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 2 in B flat major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 3 in A major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 4 in G minor, Op.1
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 5 in F-sharp minor, Op.1
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 6 in E major, Op.1
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 7 in F major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 8 in C major
• Nebra, M B: Keyboard Sonata No. 9 in A minor
• Nebra, M B: Pastorela I in G Major
• Nebra, M B: Pastorela II in F Major
• Nebra, M B: Pastorela III in A minor
• Nebra, M B: Pastorela IV in B Minor
• Nebra, M B: Pastorela V in C Major
• Nebra, M B: Pastorela VI in E Minor

CD x 3

Muzyka klasyczna

Piano Classics

16-04-2025

5029365103244