Regular readers of this blog know how much I enjoy programs featuring duo pianos. What surprises me is the number of husband and wife teams that have performed regularly, and successfully, over the years. Luboshutz and Nemenoff, Babin and Vronsky, The Dichlers and Kliens, all have made significant contributions to the art form from their arrangements of pieces to their almost "oneness" when playing together. I guess you could call it non physical lovemaking to some extent!
Karl Ulrich Schnabel and his wife Helen performed together for many years and for a time, the "majors" tried to capitalize on the magical Schnabel name in marketing their efforts. Though both accomplished artists, to be fair, neither approached the level of genius of Karl Ulrich's father Artur. Much the same can be said for Soulima Stravinsky, a talented pianist himself, but far removed from his father's great gifts.
This Epic release, the artwork here is from the identical Philips lp, features the Fantasy for piano four hands of Schubert and a select grouping of Hungarian Dances by Brahms. This is a program well suited to Karl Ulrich and Helen's strengths. The Schubert is definitely the stronger of the performances as it is well crafted and polished in a Viennese kind of way. The Brahms lacks just that bit of "zigane" which adds flair, bite, and spontaneity to these delightful dances. However, they are well prepared with sharp articulation. Above all, I would call this program and performance honest, direct and to the point.
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