Celebrated pianist Leif Ove Andsnes releases his latest recording, Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring & Other Works for Two Pianos Four Hands, on 2nd Feburary 2018, recorded with Marc-André Hamelin for Hyperion.
Andsnes says of the work, “Stravinsky’s Concerto for Two Pianos is rarely performed. It is a very good title because it really is concerto-like for both instruments. It’s a virtuoso piece, full of colours and rhythmic excitement.”
The recording is Gramophone’s Recording of the Month for February and, in reviewing the recording, David Fanning writes:“Andsnes and Hamelin have the Concerto for two pianos, which is Stravinskian neoclassicism at its highest metabolic rate of musical inventiveness: by turns gleefully sardonic and inscrutable, and horribly difficult to bring off. Here my critical pen rests and I reach for my hat. For sheer articulacy, synchronised gymnastics, flawless balance, range of colour and flinty attack, or any other criterion you care to reach for, this is breathtaking pianism.” (Gramophone)
The live performance has been variously hailed as “a keyboard partnership of titans” (The Times) and “a meeting of two champions at the top of their game” (Washington Post).
The quality of the Norwegian pianist’s collaboration with Hamelin is exceptional. “To be in a musical partnership with real trust – there’s nothing better than that,” Andsnes says.
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