Auditory Espresso Shots
author: Shane Spangler
Amidst a sea of soulless recordings that have been mastered and edited to death, James and Julie Rivers’ CD sparkles as an example of true musicianship and technical mastery tempered with unfailing artistic sensitivity and pure joy. These unedited live recordings faithfully preserve the excitement and energy of the original concerts, given between 1978 and 1983. Both pianists are at the top of their games, are perfectly matched musically, and the performances they give are interesting, inventive, and delightful. Listeners more familiar with the orchestral version of Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos will find this duo-piano performance refreshing, as the piano parts are exposed to reveal the intricacies of Poulenc’s writing. The Rivers Duo play this piece with reckless abandon, savoring the lyrical moments, capturing each change of mood, while flying through the virtuosic passages with youthful bravura. Their ensemble playing is organic and natural, giving the whole piece a spontaneous and improvised feel. The final movement is breathlessly fast, yet crystal clear, with repeated notes precisely placed to marvelous effect. Clearly, the audience agrees, as they erupt into applause and bravos before the last notes have even faded away. Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances are simply glorious; the listener will be tempted put down the car windows and turn up the volume on this piece, savoring the amazing orchestral sonorities and driving rhythms produced by the Rivers Duo. James and Julie feel the ebb and flow of each phrase, communicating their musical ideas to each other and to the listener with ease and conviction. Dello Joio’s Aria and Toccata is spellbinding and exciting, both pianists gifting the audience with singing tone in the Aria and unbridled passion in the Toccata. Rivers’ blistering performance of the finale of Bartok’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Percussion is tightly woven together, with percussionists George Boberg and Jay Wanamaker working skillfully with James and Julie. After the fury of the Bartok unwinds into its unexpectedly non-committal final cadences, we are hit with Lutoslawski’s Variations on a theme by Paganini. It’s no surprise that the Rivers Duo saved this performance for last, not only in concerts, but also on this recording. A perfect antidote for syrupy renditions of Paganini’s famous A-minor violin caprice, Rivers’ performance is nothing short of shocking. Technically brilliant, rhythmically complex, harmonically refreshing, and free from sloppy sentimentality, this piece presents challenges that few duos can meet. James and Julie conquer this piece, dispatch it, and dance it around musically with its head on a pole. Following another explosive eruption of applause comes the encore, Rossini’s La Danza, which the Rivers’ play with charm and well-earned self indulgence.
James and Julie Rivers’ CD, like their concerts, leaves the listener satisfied, but wanting more. One hopes that they will release more of their performances in the future. The sound quality too is excellent, the recordings successfully making the transfer from nearly 30-year-old analog tape to digital. Multitaskers should be warned that this is not a CD to be listened to in the background, as it will claim your full attention. Drivers should be warned that listening to this CD whilst driving could result in speeding. Musicians should be warned that listening to this CD could remind you why you make music in the first place. This CD sounds like two best friends, making music together for an adoring audience. It should: that’s exactly what it is.
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