Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms, Max Reger :: Mozart, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Reger: Variations

An Overlooked Gem

boldsworthington | Washington, DC, United States | 03/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From first note to last, this album is pure delight. I bought it mainly for the Saint-Saëns (long a favorite from an old LP), which receives flawless, sparkling treatment here -- as fine a reading as one could wish for (the theme, incidentally, comes from the third movement of Beethoven's Piano Sonata 18 in E-flat, Op. 31/3).



The rest of the program is no less captivating. The Mozart and Brahms performances equal the very best I've heard. I am especially grateful that these artists have introduced me to the Reger (if you know his stupendous solo-piano Variations & Fugue on a Theme of Telemann, Op. 134, you'll hear echoes of its fugal finale in the comparable section of this two-piano work. In fact, the Telemann Variations are only two opus numbers beyond this set). Reger takes his theme from the opening variation movement of Mozart's A-major Piano Sonata, K. 331 (which ends with the famous *Rondo alla turca*).



Bartlett and Marchand bring just the right touch of vivid characterization to each work. There's not a false gesture anywhere, and their playing communicates conviction, boundless energy, and joy. I do hope they record more four-hand repertoire (how about some Schubert?). Their love for the music and their exceptional interpretive skill shine through every note. The recording is clear and bright without being clinical or harsh, and the engineers have recorded the pianos at a comfortable listening distance that nicely captures the acoustic space while allowing even the most complex passagework to emerge clearly.



In short, this one's a real winner. If you love superior piano playing, welcome these superlative musicians to your collection. You'll be glad you did."