During the 1960 Chopin Competition, Belgian pianist Michel Block, managed to win the hearts of the audience. Although he didn't win the competition, Rubinstein awarded him a special prize to reward him as a show of appreciation from him and the audience. Block would tour with the greatest figures and recorded successful albums, at some stage departing from his solo career to teach only to make an eventual return to the stage.
Iberia’s rendition by this discreet pianist has acquired a legendary status among Spanish piano music connoisseurs. Finally made available to digital partners, it indeed reveals an immensely talented musician, with unique sense of nuance, color, and dynamics. This milestone version highlights all at once the folkloric origins of the collection and its gripping modernity.