Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and Frenchman Bertrand Chamayou have formed an exceptional partnership in their recent Schubert Four Hands album, capturing the composer's intimate and expressive works for two pianos with remarkable emotional synergy.
Their affectionate exploration of these late masterpieces is marked by a deep understanding of Schubert's unique soundworld. In the iconic F minor Fantasia, Andsnes expertly weaves together lush lyrical lines while Chamayou provides a rich foundation on the lower piano. The delicate balance between the two players is striking, as seen in the majestic Largo where both pianists execute trills with perfect balance and control.
The French duo also demonstrates a playful side, injecting whimsy into the music while maintaining an introspective focus. When tackling the poignant main theme, they coax heart-stopping performances that resonate deeply. This emotional connection is equally evident in their A minor Allegro, titled Lebensstürme (storms of life), where Chamayou unleashes his intensity on the primo part, with Andsnes holding fast alongside him through a maelstrom of turbulent runs and fanfares.
In contrast to the intense passages, Andsnes shines in the A major Rondo, offering a warm and conversational account that exudes good-natured bonhomie. The partnership's chemistry is further enhanced by the warmly realistic recording sound, which complements their expressive playing without overpowering it.
This exceptional collaboration between Andsnes and Chamayou showcases the beauty of Schubert's late works when played with passion, nuance, and a deep understanding of each other's roles as pianists in this unique partnership.
Their affectionate exploration of these late masterpieces is marked by a deep understanding of Schubert's unique soundworld. In the iconic F minor Fantasia, Andsnes expertly weaves together lush lyrical lines while Chamayou provides a rich foundation on the lower piano. The delicate balance between the two players is striking, as seen in the majestic Largo where both pianists execute trills with perfect balance and control.
The French duo also demonstrates a playful side, injecting whimsy into the music while maintaining an introspective focus. When tackling the poignant main theme, they coax heart-stopping performances that resonate deeply. This emotional connection is equally evident in their A minor Allegro, titled Lebensstürme (storms of life), where Chamayou unleashes his intensity on the primo part, with Andsnes holding fast alongside him through a maelstrom of turbulent runs and fanfares.
In contrast to the intense passages, Andsnes shines in the A major Rondo, offering a warm and conversational account that exudes good-natured bonhomie. The partnership's chemistry is further enhanced by the warmly realistic recording sound, which complements their expressive playing without overpowering it.
This exceptional collaboration between Andsnes and Chamayou showcases the beauty of Schubert's late works when played with passion, nuance, and a deep understanding of each other's roles as pianists in this unique partnership.
i mean, chamayou brings out the darker vibes w/ his intense playin, while andsnes adds this warmth & lightness that balances it all out 
gotta love how they both let each other shine & create somethin truly special 
. Like, I get why it's a great performance and all, but I wish they'd taken more risks with the arrangement or something. It feels like they're playing by the book a bit too much. Still, Andsnes' control is insane 
... I guess what I'm saying is, there are moments where you can't help but feel like they're holding back 
. But hey, at least their chemistry sounds on point 
!
Leif Ove Andsnes and Bertrand Chamayou are like two peas in a pod, they just click when it comes to playing those beautiful late masterpieces. Their chemistry is REAL, you can feel the emotional connection between them, especially in the A minor Allegro where Chamayou goes WILD!!! 
It's not often that I get chills listening to classical music but this album had me feeling all the feels! The recording sound is also super nice and realistic, it complements their playing perfectly. I'm gonna listen to this album on repeat, it's a GAME CHANGER! 
and that Largo is just epic 
I love how they balance each other out, it's like a beautiful yin-yang thing 
Chamayou brings this wild energy to the table while Andsnes keeps it all grounded 
and can we talk about their chemistry in A minor Allegro? 
. The chemistry between them is palpable, especially in the F minor Fantasia where they balance each other out perfectly. I love how they bring out the emotional depth of these late masterpieces 
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or at least a decent pair of headphones 
... This forum's audio quality is still super weak, and it's hard to fully immerse yourself in the music. Can we please get some upgrades over here? 
. The way they balance each other out is like a perfectly executed game of musical tennis - Andsnes with his lush lines and Chamayou with his rich foundation 
. I'm lovin' this album, it's like a masterclass in piano playing...or just two dudes having fun making beautiful music together 
. The way they balance each other out in the F minor Fantasia is giving me all the feels 
. Andsnes' account of the A major Rondo is just so warm and friendly 
️. Their passion for Schubert's music really shines through in this album - I'm all about that! 
. I'm not usually into classical music but this duo has me hooked! 
. Overall, this album is a must-listen for anyone who loves classical music, its like getting to experience the beauty of these late Schubert works in all its emotional complexity 
. Andsnes's interpretation of the F minor Fantasia is so detailed, you can feel every lyric being woven together like a intricate tapestry 
. I also love how they bring out the playful side of Schubert's music, especially in the A minor Allegro - it's like they're having a conversation with the notes themselves 
. Andsnes' delicate touch and Chamayou's boldness create this incredible tension that draws you in. It's like they're having a conversation on the piano, not just playing notes 
. The recording quality is spot on too, it's like they're right there in the room with you 
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. And can we talk about that A minor Allegro? I get chills every time I listen to it - it's like they're dancin' on the keys! 
. The way Chamayou unleashes his intensity in the A minor Allegro is insane! 
. The emotional connection between them is palpable, especially in pieces like the A minor Allegro - it's like they're sharing a deeply personal experience through music 
. And let's not forget the A major Rondo, where Andsnes' warm and conversational playing really shines 
how well they understand each other & the music... their chemistry is like a warm cup of coffee