"- - piano four hands often works very well when the
two pianists are of different sexes", says Jean-Francois Heisser
in the interesting interview-notes with this CD. Transcribed in
numerous arrangements, and orchestrated by Dvorak, these are the popular
Hungarian Dances (1869 & 1880) in their original versions with the
Waltzes Op 39 (1867). Heisser is a distinguished pianist with an impressive
discography, but not a familiar name in UK. I have the Mompou CD (4509-98540-2)
from his six for Erato of Spanish music, and reviewed him recently playing
contemporary Spanish piano music in San
Sebastian.
The players are well attuned and it is impossible to tell when they exchange places. They relish Brahms' way with themes which are mainly simple and not originally his own; he enriches the music with his characteristic polyrhythm, 'a part of Brahms' language'.
They get a good balance between accuracy and spontaneity, 'it takes hard work to be natural', says Marie-Josephe Jude.
Music to enjoy, without needing heavy analysis. Well recorded and presented.
Peter Grahame Woolf
