This recording by the Parnassius Piano Duo – Simon Callaghan and Hiroaki Takenouchi – is now out on general release on the Nimbus Records label.
This taster video includes footage taken during a session at Wyastone Concert Hall of Chopin’s Sonata in B flat minor, op. 35, and an audio excerpt from Liszt’s Sonata in B minor, S. 178.
Takenouchi comments:
“These curious arrangements are really interesting to play as they not only reveal what Saint-Saëns was seeing in these pieces, but also the fundamental qualities of – and differences between – the original sonatas.”
Callaghan adds:
“I think I had underestimated Saint-Saëns’ genius: his arrangements are wonderful, and offer the insight of a true musician into these masterpieces.”