Divine Duets

Track Listings

1. “Belle nuit, o nuit d’amour” from : Les contes d’Hoffmann ( J. Offenbach)

2. “Canzonetta sull’aria” from : Le Nozze de Figaro (W. A. Mozart)

3. “Caro...Bell” from : Giulio Cesare (G. F. Haendel)

4. “Abends will ich schlafen gehn” from : Hänsel und Gretel (E. Humperdinck)

5. The Flower Duet, "Viens, Mallika" from Lakmé (L. Delibes)

6. Cats Duet (G. Rossini)

7. “Ah !, che tutta in un momento” from : Cosi fan tutte (W. A. Mozart)

8. “Lascha chio pianga” from : Rinaldo (G. F. Haendel)

9. “Va !, laisse couler mes larmes”from : Werther (J. Massenet)

10. “Che faro sensa Euridice” from : Orfeo ed Euridice: (C. W. Gluck)

11. Les voix rivales (L. Bordèse)

12. “Air des clochettes” from : Lakmé, (L. Delibes)

13. “Ist ein Traum... Spür nur dich” from Der Rosenkavalier (R. Strauss)

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Duets of two female voices breathing new life into well-known music, surely the clearest indication that these are treasured works that have succeeded in touching music lovers for ages!

By turns lively, mischievous, tender, nostalgic, this album travels the spectrum of human sensitivity, a journey that the listener is sure to enjoy. "Entertain and move" is the leitmotiv of many artists, to whom we must include the performers themselves.

As with many other things, musical creation only lives and, most certainly, only survives through re-creation.

This is what, dear listener, Claudy and Marie-Josée have to offer: a new perspective… a charm as unique as each new face we encounter… a rejuvenating freshness which we constantly seek!

This offer is draped in orchestration that is new and light, all the better for allowing the unique personality of each piece to shine through…

Customer Reviews:

Glorious achievement.......2007-02-24

Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow have already established themselves in the Schubert discography with their world class recordings of Schubert's piano works. Goldstone, in particular, has a reputation for being one of Schubert's greatest champions. The caliber of his interpretations is simply phenomenal. Beyond this, when Clemmow joins Goldstone to form their illustrious piano duo, we have been given an ambrosia of world premiere piano arrangements: Mendelssohn's 3rd, Dvorak's 9th, Tchaikovsky's 4th, his Romeo and Juliet overture, Grieg's piano concerto, and now these exquisite rarities of Schubert.

For those who don't haughtily snub their nose at piano transcriptions or arrangements, you can expect some of the most gorgeous and highly effective piano arrangements. There's no need to compare these arrangements with the original versions because this music has a life of its own in the resonant tones of the piano. The Trout Quintet, Schubert's most beloved chamber work, was first published by Joseph Czerny (1785-1831). In addition to the first publication, Czerny arranged the work for piano duet, so as to extend its popularity. In this Golden Age of recordings, one may argue, "Why bother with a hack-job arrangement when prominent chamber ensembles have recorded it?" My response is that the Trout Quintet becomes something new and incredible through the hands of a piano duo. For those who truly love this work, you can find just as much delight and ecstasy when it is solely played on the piano. The textures, phrases, melodic lines, and especially the harmonies become clear, luminous and elevated. The rich piano tones and timbres are ample and versatile enough to match the intimacy and variety of nuance found in the chamber work. From the energetic first movement, to the sublime second movement, the wondrous vigor and the power of expression are all present. The Theme and Variations and the Finale retain all the splendor and beauty found in the chamber version. Overall, there is not a single lackluster moment to be found: the work is celebrated, transmogrified, and faithfully performed.

In Ede Poldini's (1869-1957) Study for two pianos on Schubert's Impromptu in E flat major, the original Impromptu receives an updated and highly ornamented rendition. The magnificent music is always transparent, but Poldini adds trills, arpeggios and orchestral-like decorations in the style of Liszt or Thalberg. The cutest moment occurs halfway through the study when Poldini surprises us with a theme from Schubert's Wanderer fantasy; it fits perfectly within the texture of the Impromptu. Huttenbrenner's piano transcription of Schubert's Rosamunde overture is probably the most successful arrangement I've heard in a while. How can one argue against the merits of this arrangement? If Schubert conceived these notes for a piano sonata, we would be doubly enthralled by its drama. And that's what it sounds like: an oustanding sonata movement, resplendent with Schubert's typical juxtaposition of brooding moments and light-hearted melodies.

The Polonaise in B flat major, "realised by Anthony Goldstone" and Prokofiev's transcription of the Waltzes are a nice bonus, but the CD reaches an apex with a truly inspired piano performance of the profound Adagio from the D. 956 String Quintet. In the expansive CD notes, Goldstone humbly apologizes for even recording it, fearing he might offend purists. I'm somewhat disappointed with his lack of confidence, however, because this work needs no prefaced apology: as music it is one of the greatest and most exalted pieces Schubert ever wrote. On the piano, its transcendentalism and poignancy is gracefully presented. Admittedly, the desire to make comparisons between the actual string quintet and piano duet version are quite strong. The piano duet doesn't match the subtleties of a chamber ensemble, but the music reaches the same divine plane. I also commend Goldstone and Clemmow's dynamic interpretation, especially during their execution of the violent central section.

Bottom line: These performances are a shining example of a superlative piano duo reaching great heights of musicality and spectacular effect. The piano arrangements of Schubert's Trout Quintet, his Rosamunde overture and the miraculous Adagio D. 956 are glorious achievements. In the hands of this competent duo, the chamber works become impressive pianistic simulacrums of the highest quality. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Britten Recital

Manufacturer: Etcetera
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000000OS
Release Date: 1994-04-13

Tracks:

Alleluia
Sweeter Than Roses
The Queen's Epicedium
Tit For Tat: I. A Song Of Enchantment
Tit For Tat: II. Autumn
Tit For Tat: III. Silver
Tit For Tat: IV. Vigil
Tit For Tat: V. Tit For Tat
Three Divine Hymns: I. Lord, What Is Man?
Three Divine Hymns: II. We Sing To Him
Three Divine Hymns: III. Evening Hymn
Friday Afternoons, Op.7: Fishing Song (No.8)
Friday Afternoons, Op.7: A New Year Carol (No.5)
There's None To Soothe
Little Sir William
O Waly Waly

Average customer rating:

Britten: Purcell Realizations
Benjamin Britten , Felicity Lott , Ian Bostridge , Simon Keenlyside , James Bowman , Susan Gritton , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , and John Mark Ainsley
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000300M
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Average customer rating:

Great Opera Duets Import

Manufacturer: Emi
ProductGroup: Classical
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000JJHO3I

Product Description

1.chieldi all'aura lusinghiera.2.signorina in tanta fretta...3.tornami a dir che m'ami.4.la ci darem la mano.5.la brise est douce et parfumee.6.o nuit divine.7.fuggiam gli ardori inospiti.8.ah per sempre o mio bell angiol...9.gia nella notte densa...10.bel cavaliere che vai per la faresta...

Average customer rating:

Divine Duets

Manufacturer: Vivace
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000YWBWG
Release Date: 2003-10-18

Tracks:

Belle nuit, o nuit damour from : Les contes dHoffmann ( J. Offenbach)
Canzonetta sullaria from : Le Nozze de Figaro (W. A. Mozart)
Caro...Bell from : Giulio Cesare (G. F. Haendel)
Abends will ich schlafen gehn from : Hel und Gretel (E. Humperdinck)
The Flower Duet, "Viens, Mallika" from LakmL. Delibes)
Cats Duet (G. Rossini)
Ah !, che tutta in un momento from : Cosi fan tutte (W. A. Mozart)
Lascha chio pianga from : Rinaldo (G. F. Haendel)
Va !, laisse couler mes larmesfrom : Werther (J. Massenet)
Che faro sensa Euridice from : Orfeo ed Euridice: (C. W. Gluck)
Les voix rivales (L. Bord)
Air des clochettes from : Lakm(L. Delibes)
Ist ein Traum... Sp dich from Der Rosenkavalier (R. Strauss)

Album Description

Duets of two female voices breathing new life into well-known music, surely the clearest indication that these are treasured works that have succeeded in touching music lovers for ages!

As with many other things, musical creation only lives and, most certainly, only survives through re-creation.

This is what, dear listener, Claudy and Marie-Josée have to offer: a new perspective… a charm as unique as each new face we encounter… a rejuvenating freshness which we constantly seek!

This offer is draped in orchestration that is new and light, all the better for allowing the unique personality of each piece to shine through…

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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1. “Belle nuit, o nuit d’amour” from : Les contes d’Hoffmann ( J. Offenbach)
2. “Canzonetta sull’aria” from : Le Nozze de Figaro (W. A. Mozart)
3. “Caro...Bell” from : Giulio Cesare (G. F. Haendel)
4. “Abends will ich schlafen gehn” from : Hänsel und Gretel (E. Humperdinck)
5. The Flower Duet, "Viens, Mallika" from Lakmé (L. Delibes)
6. Cats Duet (G. Rossini)
7. “Ah !, che tutta in un momento” from : Cosi fan tutte (W. A. Mozart)
8. “Lascha chio pianga” from : Rinaldo (G. F. Haendel)
9. “Va !, laisse couler mes larmes”from : Werther (J. Massenet)
10. “Che faro sensa Euridice” from : Orfeo ed Euridice: (C. W. Gluck)
11. Les voix rivales (L. Bordèse)
12. “Air des clochettes” from : Lakmé, (L. Delibes)
13. “Ist ein Traum... Spür nur dich” from Der Rosenkavalier (R. Strauss)