Search - Percy Grainger, Camille Saint-Saens, Igor Stravinsky :: The Piano as Orchestra

Correct, But Bloodless

J Scott Morrison | Middlebury VT, USA | 10/28/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is the first I've encountered with the University of Utah two-piano team, Susan Duehlmeier and Bonnie Gritton. I note that they have made earlier recordings that include jazz-influenced composers such as George Gershwin and Henry Wolking, who are also represented on this disc. This disc also includes more 'standard' two-piano fare as Saint-Saëns's Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso as arranged by Debussy, and the composer's own arrangement of his Danse Macabre. Also included is Stravinsky's two-piano version of his Three Movements from 'Petrouchka.'



I must say that although in the Gershwin and Wolking the notes are all in place, the playing here is virtually lifeless, bloodless, note-perfect and not much worth hearing again.



Things get better in the more standard fare. Both the Saint-Saëns and Stravinsky are creditable, although the Stravinsky is a bit metronomic. I think Duehlmeier and Gritton would be better suited to central European duo-piano repertoire methinks.



Scott Morrison"