Berezovsky Archive

20th Century Masterpieces for 2 pianos and orchestra – Pierce and Jonas Piano Duo/David Amos / Carlos Piantini – MSR Classics 

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 23, 2018 | Classical CD Reviews, Classical Reissue Reviews

Seven 20th century neo-classical concertos for two pianos and orchestra 20th Century Masterpieces for 2 pianos and orchestra: Works by LOPATNIKOFF; TANSMAN; MALPIERO; BEREZOVSKY; POULENC; STARER; CRESTON [complete list of compositions below] – Pierce and Jonas Piano Duo / Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra & National Symphony Orchestra of Polish Radio and Television/David Amos – Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra/Carlos Piantini, MSR Classics MS 1651, 62:53, 63:37, ****: These works for two pianos and orchestra represent a generous survey the neo-classical two-piano-and orchestra revival of the mid-twentieth century. The emergence of duo piano teams (Vronsky & Babin, Gold & Fizale, Whittemore & Lowe, Luboshutz & Nemenoff and others) created a demand for contemporary works they could perform. Beginning in the 1980’s, Joshua Pierce and Dorothy Jonas have continued reviving these neglected works and added new ones. These reissued recordings were made in the 1990’s and this is the first of two Volumes. When completed, there will be recordings of 13 two-piano concertos. The extensive essay by composer, author and critic Eric Salzman, who passed away last year, is a valuable addition to these recordings and the history of the genre these works represent. The neo-classical movement started in the 1920’s and 1930’s […]