Milhaud: Scaramouche, La Libertadora, etc / Coombs, Pizarro

• Album Summary
• Notes & Reviews
• Also Purchased
• Works Details

Album Summary

Performers

• Artur Pizarro (Piano)
• Stephen Coombs (Piano)

Composer

• Darius Milhaud (1892 - 1974)

Notes & Reviews:

'An entertaining and delightful issue' (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)

'A hugely entertaining new disc from Hyperion and a superb introduction to the work of a currently rather underrated composer' (BBC Record Review)

'Performances are simply marvellous. They're quite simply the finest on disc to date for Milhaud's piano music, and in sensational sonics too. Highly recommended' (In Tune, Japan/USA)

'Sparkling performances of catchy music' (The Guardian)

'If you like two-piano music you'll love this disc. There is simply so much to enjoy. Piano discs as uninhibited and infectious as this are few and far between' (Gramophone)

Gramophone Classical Music Guide
Milhaud was an inveterate traveller who absorbed influences from many national styles. The music here exudes infectious dance impulses, languid geniality, knockabout humour and joie de vivre. It may inhabit a limited expressive sphere, but providing you don't expect introspection or searching profundity you won't be disappointed. There's enjoyment at every turn, whether in the foot-tapping 'Brazileira', the Satie-esque simplicity of the 'Valse' from Lessonges, or the breezy music-hall atmosphere of Le boeuf sur le toit, with its wonderfully imaginative piano writing. The performances are exemplary.

Stephen Coombs and Artur Pizarro both enjoy the byways of the piano repertory, and, even if Pizarro is the more starry soloist, they're well matched as a duo. Coombs's top part is suitably bright and sharply lit, and is offset by Pizarro's more subtle colouring. They revel in the protracted playfulness of Le boeuf sur le toit, where their feeling for Hispanic exoticism is matched by their virtuosity. The recorded sound is excellent.

Reviews

There are currently no reviews, be the first one!

Also Purchased

Works Details

Milhaud, Darius : Scaramouche, Op. 165b

• Performers: Artur Pizarro (Piano); Stephen Coombs (Piano)
• Notes: Henry Wood Hall, London, England (09/29/1997-09/30/1997)
• Running Time: 9 min. 14 sec.
• Period Time: Modern
• Written: 1937

Milhaud, Darius : Kentuckiana, divertissement sur 20 airs du Kentucky, for 2 pianos, Op. 287

• Performers: Stephen Coombs (Piano); Artur Pizarro (Piano)
• Notes: Henry Wood Hall, London, England (09/29/1997-09/30/1997)
• Running Time: 7 min. 4 sec.
• Period Time: Modern
• Written: 1948

Milhaud, Darius : Le Bal martiniquais (2), for 2 pianos, Op. 249

• Performers: Artur Pizarro (Piano); Stephen Coombs (Piano)
• Notes: Henry Wood Hall, London, England (09/29/1997-09/30/1997)
• Running Time: 7 min. 4 sec.
• Period Time: Modern
• Written: 1944

Milhaud, Darius : Les songes (3), suite for 2 pianos, Op. 237

• Performers: Stephen Coombs (Piano); Artur Pizarro (Piano)
• Notes: Henry Wood Hall, London, England (09/29/1997-09/30/1997)
• Running Time: 6 min. 8 sec.
• Period Time: Modern
• Written: 1943

Milhaud, Darius : Carnaval à la Nouvelle-Orléans (4), for 2 pianos, Op. 275

• Performers: Artur Pizarro (Piano); Stephen Coombs (Piano)
• Notes: Henry Wood Hall, London, England (09/29/1997-09/30/1997)
• Running Time: 8 min. 29 sec.
• Period Time: Modern
• Written: 1945

Milhaud, Darius : La Libertadora, suite of dances from "Bolivar" for 2 pianos, Op. 236a

• Performers: Stephen Coombs (Piano); Artur Pizarro (Piano)
• Notes: Henry Wood Hall, London, England (09/29/1997-09/30/1997)
• Running Time: 6 min. 35 sec.
• Period Time: Modern
• Written: 1943

Milhaud, Darius : Le boeuf sur le toit, reduction of ballet for piano, 4 hands, Op. 58arr

• Performers: Artur Pizarro (Piano); Stephen Coombs (Piano)
• Notes: Henry Wood Hall, London, England (09/29/1997-09/30/1997)
• Running Time: 16 min. 48 sec.
• Period Time: Modern
• Written: 1920