Various Composers - Rapsodie espagnole (Belén Navarro; Juan Lago)

Information

• Claude Debussy - Images, L. 122: No. 2, Ibéria
• Emmanuel Chabrier - España
• Maurice Ravel - Rapsodie espagnole, M. 54
• Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov - Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34

Belén Navarro & Juan Lago, piano duo

Date: 2025

Label: IBS Classical

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The Lago-Navarro piano duo, founded in 1997 by Spanish pianists Juan Lago and Belén Navarro, showcases in this album a program of four-hand piano arrangements of orchestral works by non-Spanish composers inspired by Spanish popular music. Featured are Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol, both arranged by the composers themselves, alongside Debussy’s Ibéria (transcribed by André Caplet) and Chabrier’s España (arranged by André Messager). These pieces, though widely known in orchestral form, were often initially conceived for two pianos, highlighting the intimate, pianistic origins of their Spanish-influenced sound worlds.

Belén Navarro is a Spanish pianist celebrated for her competition wins and international performances. After earning the End of Higher Degree Honor Award, she debuted with the Alicante Symphony Orchestra and has performed at prestigious venues including Valencia’s Palau de la Música, Washington DC’s Lincoln Center, and Katara Opera Theater in Qatar. She has collaborated with leading conductors and the Valencia Orchestra, and is a frequent guest at international festivals. An active educator, she teaches piano and chamber music and offers masterclasses across Europe. Navarro studied at top conservatories in Alicante, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Alcalá, mentored by esteemed pianists and pedagogues.

Spanish pianist Juan Lago is an internationally acclaimed performer and educator, lauded at top piano competitions including Valsesia-Musica (Italy) and “Cidade de Ferrol” (Spain). He has performed across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East as a recitalist, chamber musician, and soloist with major orchestras. His collaborations include renowned artists such as Belén Navarro and Alexander Buzlov. A respected educator, he teaches in Valencia and Madrid and gives masterclasses worldwide. Lago is also the founder and artistic director of the Campillos International Piano Competition and other festivals. He studied in Madrid, Málaga, Amsterdam, and Brescia, mentored by top pianists.

High Resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz