Description
Pianist Charles Owen and his regular duo partner Katya Apekisheva turn to Rachmaninov's diverse Suites for two pianos and the composer's atmospheric Six Morceaux for their first joint recording for AVIE.
The co-founders of the London Piano Festival delve into the quintessentially Russian Suite No. 1, also known as 'Fantasise-Tableaux', with its poetic inspirations, and the more traditional Suite No. 2 which marked Rachmaninov's compositional comeback after a four-year hiatus. Rounding out the album, Charles and Katya share the piano bench for the atmospheric piano-four hands Six Morceaux.
Critical Acclaim for Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva
"robust and bracing … muscular, tightly synchronised and rhythmically perky … wonderfully precise ensemble … highly recommendable" Gramophone
'Feasts of Fearless Fingerwork … Together Owen and Apekisheva are not just one-plus-one, but virtually a third entity … [in] Rachmaninov's heavenly Suite No. 2, its dizzying Waltz delivered with extraordinary precision, yet full of subtle, pearly colouring … played with tremendous panache' – The Arts Desk
'A reminder of what a fabulous variety of sound can be conjured from two pianos … hair-raising virtuosity' – The Daily Telegraph, * * * * *
"A work for two pianos next and the rarely encountered Suite No 1 by Rachmaninov (the second one is more frequently heard). Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva, both terrific players solo, make a simply wonderful duo and the magic of this utterly enchanting music sparkles from the speakers here." Gramophone's Listening Room
"This superb piano-duo team brings wonderful delicacy and finesse to Rachmaninov." (AV 2381) * * * * BBC Music Magazine