Dive into the enchanting world of classical music with Alexandre Tharaud's latest album, "Four Hands," released on May 3, 2024, under Warner Classics. This captivating collection spans a little over an hour and seven minutes, featuring a diverse array of compositions performed exquisitely on the piano four-hands.
Alexandre Tharaud, renowned for his nuanced and expressive performances, curates a program that showcases both timeless classics and lesser-known gems. The album opens with Brahms' lively "Hungarian Dance No. 5," setting the stage for a journey through a rich tapestry of musical styles and eras. From the Baroque elegance of Bach's "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit" to the modern minimalism of Philip Glass' "Stokes," Tharaud and his collaborator navigate a wide range of emotional landscapes and technical challenges.
Highlights include the playful charm of Fauré's "Berceuse" from "Dolly," the romantic sweep of Tchaikovsky's "Waltz" from "The Sleeping Beauty," and the intricate beauty of Ravel's "Le jardin féérique" from "Ma mère l'Oye." The album also features works by composers such as Piazzolla, Schubert, Grieg, Haydn, Dvořák, Mozart, Poulenc, Debussy, Rachmaninov, Schumann, Pierné, and Bizet, each bringing their unique voice to the collection.
Tharaud's impeccable technique and deep musical insight shine through in every piece, making "Four Hands" a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful and enriching listening experience.
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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