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Genuin Classics5
Pianists Daria Fedorova and Ilya Takser, both graduates of the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, form a dynamic duo who concertize across Canada. Partners in life and on stage, here they present an original repertoire of works for piano four-hands, ranging from Bach’s Sicilienne—their own four-hand transcription—to Canadian composer David McIntyre, born in 1950, via Schumann, Brahms, Debussy and many other great names in piano music.
The album immediately envelops us in Edward MacDowell’s charming and generous romanticism with his Three Poems, setting the tone for all the duo’s original pieces and transcriptions. You’ve probably never heard such a romantic interpretation of Bach. Whatever the purists may say, the musicians here offer us a moment of poignant emotion. McIntyre’s compositions bring a welcome touch of modernity to the picture. Debussy’s Petite Suite, in all its freshness, reveals not only the duo’s excellent chemistry, but also the delicacy and vivacity of their phrasing. Pure delight!
Schubert’s Four Polonaises, marked by bouncing rhythms, are again full of charm and ardour. Fedorova and Takser are clearly concerned to offer a diversity of character from one composer to the next, being as much at ease in virtuoso outbursts as in more intimate pieces such as the “Poco andante” from Brahms’s Hungarian Dances.
It may come as a surprise that the two excerpts from Brahms’s work, including the famous Allegro—Vivace fifth movement, are not performed consecutively. The intention behind this choice is to offer a rare listening experience, to create a narrative with moments of storm and calm, sorrow and joy.
There are also a number of pieces performed with a great deal of humour and mischief, notably Chopin’s Écossaise No. 3, which goes a long way toward creating a bond with the audience. A real success, both conceptually and musically!
Translation: Gianmarco Segato
This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
Français (French)
