“An apotheosis of the piano duo.” – Rondo Magazine“This well-established duo once again demonstrates that, with two pianos, they can create an incredibly broad spectrum of colours in which listeners can lose themselves. On their new album, they spur each other on and radiate virtuosity, before, in the next moment, floating giddily over the keys.” – Helene Conrad, NDR Kultur
The two piano virtuosos Daniil Trifonov and Sergei Babayan celebrate Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday with a double album featuring his finest compositions for two pianos. It includes Suites Nos. 1 and 2, Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances and Trifonov’s transcription of the Adagio from Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony.
The recording took place at the Vienna Konzerthaus in the summer of 2023, following a spectacular concert during their joint concert tour. On this album, the two pianists combine not only their own musical mastery, but also the craftsmanship of leading piano manufacturers Bösendorfer and Steinway. With Daniil Trifonov at the Bösendorfer and Sergei Babayan at the Konzerthaus’s Steinway concert grand, they ignite a dazzling display of tonal colours. The album was released by Deutsche Grammophon on both CD and digital platforms on 29 March 2024.
Sources: deutschegrammophon.com, rondomagazin.de, ndr.de
Instruments: Bösendorfer 280 VC; Steinway D