An original programme with which the Swiss pianist Olivier Cavé succeeds in summarizing two universes that might, however, a priori appear remote: Domenico Scarlatti vs. Joseph Haydn.

In the same album, Olivier Cavé confronts two complementary visions of the keyboard. ‘With this project, I wanted to connect these two composers,’ he tells us, ‘for, when playing Haydn, I always had the feeling that he was familiar with Scarlatti’s music.’

For these two composers, the keyboard is the alphabet of a distinctive language. In a style both playful and mischievous, they composed with a bantering humour, unlimited amusement, unfailing virtuosity and a perfect sense of description.

Paradoxically, the two composers meet in their slow movements - of unparalleled simplicity and amazing naturalness that give this music, generations apart, very great lyrical depth.

This recording shows the undeniable impact of Scarlatti’s music on Haydn’s keyboard compositions.