Schubert 4 Hands album review affectionately searching accounts from two pianists in emotional synergy

"Leif Ove Andsnes and Bertrand Chamayou are thoughtful musicians, and it's immediately apparent from these affectionately searching accounts that they possess an emotional synergy. The great F minor Fantasia finds the Norwegian spinning seamless lyrical lines over the Frenchman's cushioned bass. Dynamics are impeccably sculpted; the central Largo is weighty with perfectly balanced trills throughout. They can be playful, too, though their instincts turn inwards, probing the music's spirit. The return of the poignant main theme is a heart-stopper."

"The A minor Allegro, issued posthumously with the title Lebenssturme (storms of life), is full of dramatic urgency, Chamayou tearing into the primo part. Andsnes goes with him cheek by jowl amid a torrent of turbulent runs and pianistic fanfares. The Norwegian is back on top for the A major Rondo, a conversational account full of good-natured bonhomie. Recorded sound is warmly realistic."

Schubert's late works for piano four hands require affinity for the composer's private soundworld and willingness to share a single instrument, demanding altered mechanics of ensemble playing. Leif Ove Andsnes and Bertrand Chamayou demonstrate emotional synergy and thoughtful musicianship across these pieces. In the F minor Fantasia, Andsnes spins seamless lyrical lines over Chamayou's cushioned bass while dynamics are impeccably sculpted and the central Largo delivers weighty, perfectly balanced trills. Their playing can be playful yet inwardly probing, with the return of the poignant main theme profoundly affecting. The A minor Allegro Lebensstürme crackles with urgency, and the A major Rondo offers conversational, good-natured bonhomie. Recorded sound is warmly realistic.

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