The old “apples and oranges” cliché rings true when comparing the Krkavcova and Kasik piano duo’s unassailable style and precision in Dvorák’s Slavonic Dances with the recent Prague Piano Duo on Praga. The latter’s sharp rhythmic pointing and close, full-bodied engineering contrast to the present edition’s heftier sonics, wider range of rubato, and more uniform blend between registers. In other words, the Prague Piano Duo is George Szell to the Krkavcova and Kasik Duo’s Rafael Kubelik. For all of Krkavcova and Kasik’s care in delineating countermelodies and bass lines, they stress pianistic refinement over trying to replicate Dvorák’s orchestral choirs. I would make the primo part’s frequent trills and flourishes lighter and more woodwind-like; however, if I commanded Kasik’s smooth and suave fingerwork (the back cover’s photo shows Kasik on top, so I assume he’s the culprit), I’d also be inclined to show off. In any event, the high standard of playing throughout this release either will humble or motivate aspiring piano duetists.
