CD Review (The Straits Times, February 2019)

BRAHMS Lieder

Carles & Sofia, Piano Duo

KNS Classical A/069 / *****

It might appear odd to encounter a recording of Johannes Brahms’ Lieder (German art songs) arranged for four hands on the piano. But why not? 

In actual fact, much of the German composer’s orchestra music (all four symphonies, overtures and serenades), chamber music (quartets and quintets) and even his German Requiem exist in versions for piano four hands by his own hand. Thus this selection of 18 songs, marvellously arranged by German doctor-turned-composer Christoph Ewers, comes across as wonderfully idiomatic.

Nothing sounds overblown or over-projected. The often simple melodic lines are lovingly preserved while the rich accompaniment, so characteristic of Brahms himself, do not overwhelm. 

There are some familiar numbers, including the tender Cradle Song (Op.49 No.4), Wie Melodien Zieht Es Mir (Op.105 No.1, famously quoted in the Second Violin Sonata) and the Two Songs for voice, viola and piano (Op.91). The autumnal Four Serious Songs (Op.121) provide for a more sober but sublime conclusion. 

The Catalan duo of Carles Lama and Sofia Cabruja are ever-sensitive to details and nuances, and words are hardly missed in this utterly delightful hour-long recital.  

CD Review (The Straits Times, July 2018)

GOYESCAS IN NEW YORK

Piano Duo Carles & Sofia

KNS Classical A/050 / ****1/2

Piano fanciers will be familiar with Goyescas (1911), the suite of seven rather difficult solo piano pieces by Spanish composer Enrique Granados (1867-1916) inspired by Francisco Goya's paintings of Spanish nobility and their romances. Rather less well-known is the one-act opera Goyescas (1915), based on these pieces, orchestrated and with voices added by the composer. 

It was premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in January 1916 during the height of the First World War. Granados unfortunately drowned on his return voyage to Europe when his ship was torpedoed by a German submarine.

This is the premiere recording of a transcription of the hour-long opera for piano four hands by Catalan composer-pianist Abraham Espinosa. All the popular music is reprised, including the bittersweet Maiden And The Nightingale and the final ballad Love And Death. The bouncy dance of the tossed strawman El Pelele is not tacked on at the end but actually opens the opera after a short introduction. 

Some new music is added as interludes, leading into favourites like Los Requiebros (Flatteries) and the Serenade By Candlelight. The Catalan duo of Carles Lama and Sofia Cabruja, who commissioned the transcription, truly revel in its eight movements. While the original solo is a  virtuoso vehicle, this idiomatic four hands version represents a triumph of ensemble work.