About this Release
“Having been trained on both period and modern instruments, we struggled with the question of which instrument renders the most authentic performance of Beethoven's Complete Piano Duets. We decided to embrace their inherent technical and interpretive differences and recorded our period instrument disc in an intimate performance space which is in stark contrast to the vibrant concert hall of the modern disc. Although the scores are identical, we are pleased to share two unique interpretations with the listener for comparison.” — Amy Hamann
BEETHOVEN, LUDWIG VAN (1770–1872)
Complete Piano Duets
- Amy Hamann, fortepiano
Beethoven’s compositions for piano duet embrace works written for students as well as those designed for aristocratic acquaintances and friends. This release presents two recordings of the complete works: the first (CD 1) on a modern Yamaha piano, and the second (CD 2) on chronologically accurate reproductions of the fortepianos Beethoven was composing on at the time. The modern piano was recorded in a concert hall, whereas the period instrument recording was made in a much more intimate space, showcasing the salon performance settings of the past.
This recording was made on both modern and period instruments:
CD1: Yamaha Disklavier D CFIIS Pro
CD2, works 1 & 2: Fortepiano after J.A. Stein, 1784
CD2, work 5: Fortepiano after Nanette Streicher, née Stein, ca. 1815
Tracklist
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Sonata for Piano 4 Hands in D Major, Op. 6 (1797) (00:07:00 )
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1
I. Allegro molto (00:02:57)
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2
II. Rondo: Moderato (00:03:22)
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3
8 Variations on a Theme by Count Waldstein in C Major, WoO 67 (performed on piano) (1792) (00:08:23)
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4
6 Variations on Ich denke dein in D Major, WoO 74 (performed on piano) (1805) (00:04:58)
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3 Marches, Op. 45 (1803) (00:15:00 )
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5
No. 1 in C Major (00:04:23)
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6
No. 2 in E-Flat Major (00:04:43)
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7
No. 3 in D Major (00:04:35)
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8
Grosse Fuge in B-Flat Major, Op. 134 (performed on piano) (1826) (00:15:00)
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Sonata for Piano 4 Hands in D Major, Op. 6 (1797) (00:07:00 )
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1
I. Allegro molto (00:02:50)
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2
II. Rondo: Moderato (00:03:12)
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3
8 Variations on a Theme by Count Waldstein in C Major, WoO 67 (performed on fortepiano) (1792) (00:08:32)
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4
6 Variations on Ich denke dein in D Major, WoO 74 (performed on fortepiano) (1805) (00:04:47)
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3 Marches, Op. 45 (1803) (00:15:00 )
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5
No. 1 in C Major (00:04:17)
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6
No. 2 in E-Flat Major (00:04:48)
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7
No. 3 in D Major (00:04:32)
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8
Grosse Fuge in B-Flat Major, Op. 134 (performed on fortepiano) (1826) (00:13:57)
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The Artist(s)
Heralded as “having the eloquence and ability to maintain their audience under their powers” by by L’Impartial, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, duo pianists Amy and Sara Hamann have won international recognition, captivating audiences and critics alike wherever they appear. The Hamann sisters are the first American duo to win the Absolute First Prize in the Fryderyk Chopin Concorso Pianistico Internazionale held in Rome, First Prize in the International Grieg Competition, and First Prize of the Ellis Competition for Duo-Pianists. Their performances have been broadcast on national and international television and radio, including NPR’s Performance Today and Studio 360. The sisters were recently appointed “Yamaha Artists” by Yamaha Corporation of America.
The Composer(s)
Beethoven did much to enlarge the possibilities of music and widen the horizons of later generations of composers. Reviews
“Amy and Sara Hamann play with virtuoso technique, charming musicality, and excellent coordination.” – Early Music America
“this is one of the Grand Piano label’s best releases yet.” – MusicWeb International
“From beginning to end…there is much listening pleasure to be had—twice over—courtesy both of Beethoven and the Hamanns…” – MusicWeb International
“The Hamann performances must be described as sparkling.” – American Record Guide
“This is a most rewarding set and one which I have no hesitation in recommending.” – Preston Recorded Music Society
Grand Piano has gained a reputation for producing high quality recordings of rare keyboard gems. Dedicated to the exploration of undiscovered piano repertoire, the label specialises in complete cycles of piano works by many lesser-known composers, whose output might otherwise have remained unknown and unrecorded.
- info@grandpianorecords.com
