Very sad to learn today of the death of the Spanish pianist Alicia de Larrocha, who was 86.I heard her many times and was always touched by her genuine-hearted musicianship, her complete identification with the works she performed and the way something in her sound entirely encapsulated the sonic richness of Spain itself – the perfect blend of singing and fire, of firm rhythm and melting melody, and of sense and sensibility. She had a long and wonderful career – she gave her first concert at the age of 5 – and we will cherish her memory. Here’s a full obituary from the New York Times.

And here she is in an extract from de Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat.