Search - Dvorak, Thorson, Thurber :: Complete Works for Piano Duet

Dvorak for piano duet is just as good

Biblibio | 04/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dvorak lovers, behold! Brilliant Classics (that charming little thing that's been sending out some great sets for incredibly low prices) has just given you a hint. For the price of one (pretty cheap) CD, you can now purchase a version of the Slavonic Dances for two pianos. Is the hint clear enough?



This one's almost a no-brainer. Dvorak's Slavonic Dances are beautiful, exciting, emotional pieces, and played as a piano duet? Oh, just as beautiful, exciting, emotional, and with another bonus: perfect for piano lovers. While the concept may seem strange (Dvorak for 2 pianos?), the result is so beautiful. Oh, yes, we also get another CD (because it seems that the people in charge of Brilliant Classics are all romantics who want all CDs coupled up...) with many other lovely pieces. But honestly? This CD is all about the Slavonic Dances. The playing here is beautiful, true to the orchestral version, and yet there's something uniquely special about them. It's played wonderfully and the sound is clear. There's passion, excitement, and everything needed. If you like one Slavonic Dance, you'll like the piano duet version.



Therefore: Any classical music listener who likes Dvorak's Slavonic Dances MUST purchase and enjoy this CD!



The Legends are also a great listen. They're exciting, energetic, and light, for the most part. Some parts are more dramatic (the Molto Maestoso comes to mind, being slower, and more powerful than the others).



"From the Bohemian Forest" is just as much a gem as the other pieces. "In the Spinning Room" starts out the collection with quick and light moment. There's something pleasant about it that makes the listener smile. "By the Black Lake", in contrast is slower, more dramatic, and for the most part darker. "Walpurgis Night" is powerful and intense, giving the impression of something heavy and strong. It's got a dark, powerful side that the others didn't have. On the other side of the spectrum is "In Wait", which is like a romp, almost. It feels less substantial than the others, but is still enjoyable. "Silent Woods" is slow, beautiful, and lovely. It's almost like a lullaby with darker moments. The CD ends with "From Troubled Times", which is an enjoyable listen, just like the other pieces.



Recommended to ANY Dvorak lover! I picked this up because it was cheap and looked interesting, but it's simply beautiful. The concept may sound funny, but it's still Dvorak. It's just on the piano. Enjoy!"