The Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra by Francis Poulenc - composed in 1932 - is clearly one of the most popular works of this relatively rare genre. The love of the classics, especially Mozart, is clearly expressed here. Witty-moussing wit, punchlines and virtuosity make this concert a culinary delight. The piano duo Genova & Dimitrov now make it the focus of their new CD with three works of French provenance, for Darius Milhaud and Robert Casadesus also wrote double piano concertos. What unites the three composers is a view of aesthetics deeply rooted in neo-classicism, and what Milhaud describes as the ingredients of his music apply to all three works on this esprit CD: "clarity, sobriety, lightness, measured romanticism, a sense of proportion of construction, and a desire to express oneself clearly, simply, and concisely." Voilà, the recipe for witty entertainment can be that simple!
Works:
•Casadesus, R: Concerto for Two Pianos & Orchestra Op. 17
• Milhaud: Concerto No. 1 for Two Pianos & Orchestra, Op. 228
• Poulenc: Concerto in D minor for Two Pianos & Orchestra