Franz Schubert - Schubert: Piano Duets (LP)

Franz Schubert's "Piano Duets," released in 2010 on the Hyperion label, is a captivating collection of chamber music that showcases the composer's unique and profound contributions to the piano duet repertoire. This album features a selection of Schubert's works for piano four hands, performed by the acclaimed pianists Paul Lewis and Steven Osborne. Their collaboration brings to life the emotional depth and dramatic intensity of Schubert's compositions, which transcend the genre's domestic origins.

The album includes notable pieces such as the "Fantasy in F Minor, D. 940," known for its austere yet heartbreaking opening melody and dramatic double fugue, as well as the "Variations on an Original Theme in A-Flat Major, D. 813." Other highlights include the "Allegro in A Minor, D. 947 'Lebensstürme,'" the "Divertissement sur des motifs originaux français, D. 823: II. Andantino varié in B Minor," the "Fugue in E Minor, D. 952," and the "Rondo in A Major, D. 951."

Recorded in Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk, in February 2010, this album captures the nuanced performances of Lewis and Osborne, who are both eminent Schubertians. Their playing is praised for its perceptive touch and dynamic range, reaching the emotional depths and drama of Schubert's final years. The album's duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes offers a comprehensive exploration of Schubert's piano duet works, making it a significant addition to any classical music collection.