Mari & Momo Kodama, Sarah & Deborah Nemtanu - Martinů: Double Concertos (2018) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

This release reunites the Kodama sisters in the studio following their scintillating recording of Tchaikovsky ballet suites for PENTATONE. In a review of a public performance of the Martinů Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, the Ziebline journal wrote “Mari and Momoyo Kodama are extraordinary … The fingers of the Japanese musicians were flying with with diabolic ease and finesse: a stunning finale.”

‘A slice of heaven’ – concertante works by Bohuslav Martinů Bohuslav Martinů’s distinctive musical voice, which infuses the great Czech tradition with modern idioms, is showcased in this captivating survey of his concertante works, performed by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Marseille conducted by Lawrence Foster.

The Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra is a lively and rhythmic tour de force. Breezily energetic and relentless, it is full of jazzy inflections and high speed fireworks, pausing only in the tranquillity of the slow movement for moments of serene calm.

By contrast, the Concerto for Two Violins and Orchestra is a warm, lyrical work in the Romantic tradition. With its intricate and interweaving solo lines, expansive melodies and dance-like syncopations it’s an engaging work of considerable charm which deserves a wider audience. The Rhapsody-Concerto for Viola and Orchestra is a dreamily nostalgic work whose simple melodies, radiant lyricism and soaring viola line make it one of the 20th century’s most performed viola concertos.

Tracklist:
01. Concerto No. 2 in D Major for 2 Violins, H. 329: I. Poco allegro
02. Concerto No. 2 in D Major for 2 Violins, H. 329: II. Moderato-III. Allegro con brio-Vivo
03. Rhapsody-Concerto, H. 337: I. Moderato
04. Rhapsody-Concerto, H. 337: II. Molto adagio-Allegro
05. Concerto for 2 Pianos, H. 292: I. Allegro non troppo
06. Concerto for 2 Pianos, H. 292: II. Adagio
07. Concerto for 2 Pianos, H. 292: III. Allegro

Personnel:
Deborah Nemtanu, violin (Concerto in D major for two violins and orchestra H329)
Sarah Nemtanu, violin
Magali Demesse, viola (Rhapsody-Concerto for Viola and Orchestra)
Momo Kodama, piano (Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, H292)
Mari Kodama, piano
Orchestre Philharmonique de Marseille
Lawrence Foster, conductor