Remy Franck, 08.10.2014

Béla Bartók: Concerto for Two Pianos, Percussion and Orchestra
Franz Schubert: Fantasy, Op. 103
Wolfgang A. Mozart: Sonata in D Major for Two Pianos
Claude Debussy: En blanc et noir for Two Pianos
Carlos Infante: “Sentimento” from Andalusian Dances
Francis Poulenc: Elegy for Two Pianos
Witold Lutosławski: Paganini Variations
Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 5
Darius Milhaud: “Brasileiras” from Scaramouche

Güher & Süher Pekinel – Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino – Zubin Mehta 1 DVD + 1 CD, Arthaus 102 191; 16:9; Stereo; 2012/2010 (111′)

In this DVD we see the two sisters, Güher and Süher Pekinel, both in recital and performing with orchestra. In Bartók’s works, piano rhythm plays a major role. The degree to which this element is emphasized depends largely on the perception and temperament of the performers. While the Pekinel piano duo does not neglect the rhythmic aspect, they bring the colors to the foreground. Bartók’s creativity in this regard is expressed extremely well, especially through the color sensitivity of Zubin Mehta and the Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Pure musical expressionism!

The concert in Ludwigsburg begins with Schubert’s Fantasy for Four Hands, Op. 103. Both pianists successfully handle the contrast between the two parts by balancing darker tones with wonderfully lyrical and “lighter” ones. Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos, KV 448, comes alive through the inspiring dialogue and energetic musical exchange between the two pianists.

Among the striking moments of the DVD are the emotionally charged second movement of Debussy’s En blanc et noir, the colorful and virtuosically impressive “Sentimento” from Manuel Infante’s Andalusian Dances, Lutosławski’s magnificent Paganini Variations, and the playful transcription of Johannes Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 5. In perfect unity, the Pekinel Duo once again demonstrates that for both of them, the music always comes first.

Excerpts from the program are also included in this set as a bonus CD. Those who wish to listen to the entire program without the images can purchase the two CDs from Arthaus, catalogue number 101-792.

Whether accompanied by orchestra or performing on piano alone, the Pekinels once again convince us with their refined performances filled with color.