The highlight of this sophomore effort from the
Duo d'Accord is a piano, four-hands arrangement of Schumann's Piano Quintet, made by Clara Schumann. And what a highlight it is. None of the energy, excitement, or appeal is lost, and if it weren't so well known in its original instrumentation it would be hard to believe that it wasn't meant for piano duet. What is hard to imagine is that it can all fit so well on the one keyboard without the two pianists tripping over each other. Shao-Yin Huang and Sebastian Euler give hardly any sign that this version is any more or less difficult than the original (there is a bit of confusion in the passage in the second movement with the duple-vs.-triple rhythm, not with the rhythms, but with the voicing of the lines in relation to each other). The two pianists both have an even tone that makes one wish at times for more brashness and sharpness, and a more intense contrast in dynamics and emotion, but otherwise they have the energy and strength to pull off the quintet excellently, especially the last two movements. They can carry the listener along as well as any piano-string ensemble can. Huang and Euler's well-matched tone and touch also unify the two pianos in the Andante and Variations, Op. 46. The theme takes on a creamy quality whenever it appears in a lyrical statement. As in the quintet, there is a luster to their playing, which makes the digitally busy variations childlike in their playfulness. It also enhances the heroic qualities of the Bilder aus Osten, making them seem more like glowing representational art than first-hand experiences of characters and actions. All three Schumann works are given very respectable treatment on this very satisfying disc by
Duo d'Accord.