Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Radu Lupu :: Mozart: Sonata for 2 Pianos in D Major, K. 448; Schubert: Fantasia for Piano, 4 Hands in F Minor, D 940

The Full Keyboard - More Mozart and Schubert!

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The credentials of both of the two soloists here - Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu - are impeccable as individual interpreters of the works of both Mozart and Schubert and so it should come as no surprise that as they sit at the same keyboard the result is nothing less than satisfying.



For this listener the highlight of this recording is the splendid composition by Schubert - the 'Fantasia for piano, 4 hands in F minor', D. 94. The work contains some of his most haunting melodies in his oeuvre and Perahia and Lupu find that degree of harmony that makes the piece truly sing.



The Mozart works (Sonata for 2 Pianos in D Major, K 375), the Fantasia for mechanical organ in F minor, K. 608 and Variations on an original theme for piano, 4 hands in G major, K. 501) are of interest not only because they are rarely heard, but also because of the intelligent music making Perahia and Lupu bring to their interpretations. Without a score in hand it is difficult to know which exposed parts are being played by which soloist and that is as it should be. The two pianists mirror each other and respect the performances in a way that is a welcome unified sound.



Works for extended piano keyboard, whether that be on the same keyboard or on two pianos, are too infrequently performed for obvious reasons. But here we have two of our finest pianists on a CD that is available at the press of a button. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, July 06

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Highly rated

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 07/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A superb collaboration of two great pianists recently remastered for better sound quality. Masterful music but perhaps a divergent coupling. This performance was given high marks by major reviewers (Gramophone). See original CD issue for more reviews on Amazon."

Slow and Ruminative Schubert

Glenn Spiegel | Chevy Chase, MD USA | 07/06/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a thoughtful, but slow and ruminative, performance of Schubert's masterpiece that captures much of its beauty but misses the storm and stress. Richter and Britten provide even more nuanced phrasing and have the power for the climaxes.



I haven't heard the Mozart on this disk--have only downloaded the Schubert."