CD
The two versions recorded on this CD (together for the first time) of the two great works for piano and strings by Schumann, were also composed by two great artists, inextricably linked to the composer. In both cases it is evident that there was a desire to transform the original work into a more efficient piano version. The story of these reductions is also exciting. Clara was particularly fond of the Quintet, and both she and Robert had thought about a possible four hands piano reduction to more easily popularize this work among German music lovers[...]
Dvorak Dumky trio version for Piano duo (World Premiere Recording). Dvorak's piano duet version and trio version were published together in the same year
[..]The Duo Pianistico Palmas (the brother and sister duo of Cristina and Luca Palmas) is highly talented and unfailingly musical[..] Contrasts are vital to this piece, and the Duo Pianistico Plamas ensures that we are in no doubt of this. Textures are often stunningly well judged, as are tempos and agogics[...] the Duo Pianistico Palmas has issued an altogether creditable disc that will surely provide much enjoyment
[Fanfare Magazine USA April 2009-Colin Clarke]
These two works from thè 1890s, one written by thè Czech master at thè height of bis powers, and thè other by a stripling Bratislava-born composer, were both transcribed at thè time for piano duet to allow their wider dissemination into private homes. The Dohnànyi Piano Quintet is an astonishingly confident work for a 17-year old composer. To my ears also, its piano duet arrangement, though not by thè composer as in thè case of thè Dumky Trio, is a better fit. The brother and sister duo are an accomplished pair though thè piano sound as recorded is tinkly above thè slave. A disc worth exploring, which can be obtained from thè very good Milan web site of 'La Bottega Discantica'.
[Bill Marsden, The Dvorak Society; London, NewsletterNo.86 January 2009]
Dvorak's arrangement of his piano trio for four hands on piano stands comparison with the original, that of the quintet by Dutch composer Jan Brandts Buys less so, for all its demands for virtuosity, amply met by this brother-and-sister team
[Phillip Sommerich, Classical Music; London, 17 January 2009]
It is a sparkling performance, full of humour and shades of colour
[Guido Salvetti - Pianist e musicologist]
[...] Remarkable the amount of energy, freshness, brilliancy, vigour of the music of the two performers[...] A duo still young but already of experience, with a style combining technical skill with a contagious and moving musicality.
["La Provincia" di Cremona e Crema]
Refined sound, rich phrasing and faultless togetherness as in the best duo of the world