Viney-Grinberg Piano Duo - Four Hands: Australian Music for Piano (2016)

Described as ‘unforgettable’ by The Australian and ‘barnstorming’ by The New York Times, the Viney-Grinberg Piano Duo enjoy a stellar international profile. In their new album on ABC Classics, they survey recent music by Australian composers for piano four-hands, much of it receiving its world-premiere recording.

Music for piano four-hands began in the latter half of the 18th century, as the piano itself gained popularity. In the words of the pianists themselves, ‘the five Australian compositions on this disc grow and build on that tradition, with ambitious largescale works of complexity and virtuosity, as well as miniatures that deal with the interior world of the human heart and mind. Despite the diversity of music on this disc – a fascinating variety of responses to the musical opportunities afforded by piano four-hand performance – there is also a unifying thread of dynamism and spirited energy.’

Ross Edwards’ A Flight of Sunbirds showcases a seemingly effortless affection; Carl Vine and Stuart Greenbaum’s Sonatas explores the potential for four-handed counterpoint. Peter Sculthorpe’s ‘delicate and wistful quartet of beautiful tableaux’ follow the tradition of arranging existing works for piano four-hands. And Elena Kats-Chernin’s Victor’s Heart uses the warm resonance of the form to create a touching musical tribute.

TARCKLIST
01. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 1. Energico
02. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 2. Andantino
03. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 3. Allegro raggiante
04. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 4. Poco lento
05. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 5. Allegretto
06. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 6. Allegro
07. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 7. Andante
08. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 8. Andante con moto
09. A Flight Of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles For Piano Duet : 9. Vivace
10. Sonata For Piano Four-Hands : 1. Prelude
11. Sonata For Piano Four-Hands : 2. Waltz
12. Sonata For Piano Four-Hands : 3. Deuces
13. Sonata For Piano Four-Hands : 4. Meditation
14. Sonata For Piano Four-Hands : 5. Toccata
15. Four Little Pieces For Piano Duet : 1. Morning Song
16. Four Little Pieces For Piano Duet : 2. Sea Chant
17. Four Little Pieces For Piano Duet : 3. Little Serenade
18. Four Little Pieces For Piano Duet : 4. Left Bank Waltz
19. Sonata For Piano Four-Hands : 1. Solar
20. Sonata For Piano Four-Hands : 2. Expanding Universe
21. Sonata For Piano Four-Hands : 3. Earthrise
22. Kats-Chernin: Victor’s Heart