Album: Scarlatti, Harpsichord Sonatas – Carole Cerasi (Metronome)

Domenico Scarlatti's fusion of Italian and Iberian styles dazzles in this artfully programmed recital. Grouped into five sequences, with only one pairing of consecutive sonatas, these sometimes flamboyant, sometimes interior miniatures are explored on two contrasting instruments, one darkly glittering, one soft and enigmatic.

It's a playful performance, as impressive in its moments of introspection as it is in those of extrovert brilliance.