Alexandre Tharaud's latest album, Four Hands, is a masterful collection of classical piano pieces, showcasing the beauty and versatility of four-hand piano music. Released on 3 May 2024 under the esteemed Warner Classics label, this album is a treasure trove of beloved compositions, carefully curated to delight audiences of all ages.
With a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, Four Hands takes you on a journey through the works of renowned composers such as Brahms, Bach, and Ravel, as well as lesser-known gems from the likes of Françaix and Pierné. Tharaud's impeccable technique and expressive playing bring to life a wide range of styles, from the elegant waltzes of Tchaikovsky to the lively tangos of Piazzolla.
The album features a diverse array of pieces, including arrangements of famous orchestral works, such as Rachmaninov's arrangement of The Sleeping Beauty, and intimate, delicate compositions like Fauré's Berceuse. Tharaud's sensitive and nuanced performances are perfectly suited to the four-hand piano format, which allows for a unique level of dialogue and interplay between the two pianists.
Throughout the album, Tharaud's passion for the music shines through, and his commitment to showcasing the beauty of four-hand piano music is evident in every note. Four Hands is a must-listen for fans of classical piano music, and a wonderful introduction to the genre for those new to its charms. With its rich and varied programme, this album is sure to delight and inspire, and cement Alexandre Tharaud's reputation as one of the leading pianists of his generation.
Tracks
Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 5 in F-Sharp Minor (Piano 4-Hands Version)Johannes Brahms, Bruce Liu, Alexandre Tharaud
Bach, JS: Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106 "Actus tragicus": No. 2, Chöre, Arioso und Aria. "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit" (Arr. Kurtág for Piano 4-Hands)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, David Fray
Piazzolla: Libertango (Arr. Yamamoto for Piano 4-Hands)Astor Piazzolla, Beatrice Rana, Alexandre Tharaud
Fauré: Dolly, Op. 56: I. BerceuseGabriel Fauré, Nicholas Angelich, Alexandre Tharaud
Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66, Act 1 "The Spell": No. 6, Waltz (Arr. Rachmaninov for Piano 4-Hands)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexandre Tharaud, Alexander Melnikov
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60: V. Le jardin féériqueMaurice Ravel, Alexandre Tharaud, Bertrand Chamayou
Schubert: 3 Marches militaires, Op. 51, D. 733: No. 1 in D MajorFranz Schubert, Michel Dalberto, Alexandre Tharaud
Grieg: 4 Norwegian Dances, Op. 35: No. 2 in A Major, Allegretto tranquillo e graziosoEdvard Grieg, Alexandre Tharaud, Víkingur Ólafsson
Haydn: Piano Trio in G Major, Hob. XV:25: III. Rondo all'ongarese. Presto (Arr. Metzdorff for Piano 4-Hands)Joseph Haydn, Alexandre Tharaud, Momo Kodama
Dvořák: Slavonic Dances, Op. 72, B. 145: No. 2 in E Minor, Allegretto graziosoAntonín Dvořák, Alexandre Tharaud, Mariam Batsashvili
Lavignac: Galop-marche à huit mains (Arr. Lemoine for Piano 4-Hands)Albert Lavignac, Alexandre Tharaud, Frank Braley
Charles-Henry: 3 + 3: No. 3, The Just AverageCharles Henry, Alexandre Tharaud
Mozart: Sonata for Piano 4-Hands in D Major, K. 381: III. Allegro moltoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexandre Tharaud, Arielle Beck
Poulenc: Sonata for Piano 4-Hands, FP 8: I. PreludeFrancis Poulenc, Emmanuel Strosser, Alexandre Tharaud
Debussy: Petite suite, CD 71, L. 65: I. En bateauClaude Debussy, Frédéric Vaysse-Knitter, Alexandre Tharaud
Glass: 3 Pieces for Four Hands: No. 2, StokesPhilip Glass, Vanessa Wagner, Alexandre Tharaud
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