SCHUBERT: Fantasy in F minor for piano duet; Andantino varié in B minor for piano duet; MOZART: Sonata in D Major for two pianos K 448 – Katia and Marielle Labeque, pianos – KML Recordings KML1117 ***** [Distr. by Harmonia mundi]:
The top sisters piano duo turn out consistently worthwhile albums, now on their very own label. Both of these main works have been recorded quite a bit, but these versions shine with brilliant technical precision, fine expression and excellent recording quality. The notes speak of the popularity of piano duet music for playing in the home, and the more rare appearance of works for two pianos. Schubert selected a minor key described in the 18th century as the “key of doom.” His tone in the Fantasy is one of vulnerability and deep despondency, which becomes especially violent in the work’s climax. His Andantino is a lovely set of variations.
The top sisters piano duo turn out consistently worthwhile albums, now on their very own label. Both of these main works have been recorded quite a bit, but these versions shine with brilliant technical precision, fine expression and excellent recording quality. The notes speak of the popularity of piano duet music for playing in the home, and the more rare appearance of works for two pianos. Schubert selected a minor key described in the 18th century as the “key of doom.” His tone in the Fantasy is one of vulnerability and deep despondency, which becomes especially violent in the work’s climax. His Andantino is a lovely set of variations.
Mozart’s only sonata for two pianos relieves the gloom of the first work with a rousing and virtuosic dialog between the two players – made more free due to no worries about running into one another at the single keyboard as in a duet. Some of the passages at both keyboards are extremely brilliant. I recall being captivated by this very work on one of the first prerecorded stereo tapes in the 50s, and have retained ever since a special enjoyment of two-piano performances displayed in stereo. I had just heard the Sonata live a couple weeks before, only played on uprights rather than grands. The Lebeques are so precise in their execution that another recording I sampled for comparison sounded downright sloppy!
– John Sunier
