Tal & Groethuysen CD release

Release today

From the 19th century onwards, the works of Johann Sebastian Bach enjoyed immense popularity among the greatest pianists of the time. Whether Franz Liszt, Camille Saint-Saëns or Sergei Rachmaninov, they all arranged works by the Baroque master for solo piano. Less well known are the numerous Bach transcriptions for two pianos. The piano duo Yaara Tal & Andreas Groethuysen, who have won countless awards, astounded audiences back in 2009 with their recording of Bach's ‘Goldberg Variations’ in Joseph Rheinberger's and Max Reger's version for two pianos.

Now the duo has recorded a new album for Sony Classical with special Bach transcriptions by well-known arrangers such as Cyril Scott, but also by musicians forgotten today such as Gustav Clemens Felix Krug and Alexander Kelberine. These include versions arranged for two pianos of arias from cantatas, the important organ Passacaglia in C minor and the Sixth Brandenburg Concerto.

"Nevertheless, Tal & Groethuysen give these sometimes second-rate arrangements an extremely precious and therefore first-class feel and aura. Ludwig Lebell's transcription of the aria “Schlummert ein” from the cantata “Ich habe genug” alone is transformed under their hands into the purest goosebumps and heartfelt music"

(31.08.2024, Rondo Magazin, Guido Fischer)

"The overall arioso performance also succeeds because the pedal is used very carefully: A slightly romantic coloring is allowed when the genesis of the arrangement allows for it. But lines and accents are never blurred. In particular, the dance-like gesture of some movements (third movement of the Brandenburg Concerto) comes across well and - above all - easily. Harmonious!"

(02.09.2024, Concerti, Christoph Vratz)