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CD Review
Music for Piano Duo
- George Gershwin:
- Rhapsody in Blue
- Cuban Overture
- I got Rhythm – Variations
- Maurice Ravel:
- Ma mère l'Oye
- Sites auriculaires
- Fascination
- Bolero
Anthony Goldstone & Caroline Clemmow, pianos
Divine Art DDA25057 74m DDD
This disc is a delight from start to finish. With such inspired piano playing throughout, one rarely has the time to reflect on the fact that these works were not strictly composed for piano duet but Goldstone and Clemmow truly belie that.
Gerswhin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' and his Cuban Overture (actually the original version for piano duet) come across quite magically with the thrill and exhilaration superbly portrayed with both pianists' nimble fingers. I also greatly enjoyed the 'I Got Rhythm' Variations which are very colourful and include some outstanding technical touches.
Turning to ravel, the music is perhaps a bit more mellifluous but nonetheless it is no less enjoyable. The delicate nuances of 'Ma mère l'Oye' are nimbly played by Goldstone and Clemmow whilst the 'Sites auriculaires' also contain some dazzling piano effects. All comes to a close with a barnstorming rendition of 'Bolero' which is the ideal show stopper that rounds of the disc in real party fashion.
The disc is fabulous as it is but the added bonus of detailed notes by Anthony Goldstone make for a truly indispensable package. Thumbs up to the enterprising label that is Divine Art for providing us with such a barnstormer of a disc. Here's to more from this fine stable.
Copyright © 2008, Gerald Fenech
