The Duo Egri and Pertis continues its discographical survey of rare piano duet fare with a volume devoted to Saint-Saëns’ original works and transcriptions in this genre. The composer takes every advantage the medium has to offer, fashioning each piano part to maximum textural, dynamic, and virtuoso effect. Even the inevitable tremolos are varied in their deployment, as heard for example in the Lisztian König Harald Harfagar and Phaéton. The intricate “spinning” patterns of Le rouet d’Omphale lose little in their translation from orchestra to piano duo, thanks in part to the duo’s nuanced interpretation and the instruments’ plangent sonority. The salon-like Minuet and Gavotte, on the other hand, could be lighter on their dancing feet. Six of the nine selections receive first recordings here, while the relatively familiar Variations on a Theme of Beethoven (easily Saint-Saëns’ most substantial two-piano piece) gets a large-scaled, proudly glittering performance. Piano duo fans seeking novelties won’t want to miss this excellently annotated and fine sounding release. [4/3/2001]
