Masterpieces for Two Pianos was the title of the recital given by the French duo Ronald Conil and Véronique Muzy Conil at the Manoel Theatre as part of the International Spring Orchestra Festival.

The opening work was the familiar Sonata for Two Pianos in D, K. 448 by Mozart, which he wrote at 25 years of age. The piece is written in strict sonata-allegro form, with three movements.

The sonata was composed for a performance he would give with fellow pianist Josephine von Aurnhammer. Mozart composed this in the galant style, with interlocking melodies and simultaneous cadences.

This is one of his only formal compositions written exclusively for two pianos. The sonata is written in three movements.The first movement begins in D Major and sets the tonal centre with a strong introduction.

The two pianos divide the main melody for the exposition, and when the theme is presented both play it simultaneously.

The entire second movement is played andante, in a very relaxed pace. The melody is played with both pianos, but there is no strong climax in this movement. Molto allegro begins with a galloping theme.

Musically, it is widely regarded as one of the composer’s finest compositions.

This sonata was also used in the scientific study that tested the theory of the Mozart Effect, suggesting that classical music increases brain activity more positively than other kinds of music.

The duo then continued with Debussy’s En Blanc et Noir . Originally titled Caprices en blanc et noir, this two-piano masterpiece dates from 1915, the same year as the Études for piano. The three-movement work is notoriously difficult to play.

The beautifully-wrought phrases and nicely-balanced dialogue between the two pianists was unprecedented

Cauceo is the title of a new work by the Italian born Dimitri Scarlato.

This work was a prize winner in the third International Spring Orchestra Festival composition competition. The work is described as being inspired by the Caduceus, a winged staff entwined by two serpents, the pianos representing the serpents.

The music constantly moves back and forth between the instruments, at times appearing to be one instrument playing.

A work by Roland Conil, Pan et Séléné, was performed next. This was a work for prepared pianos and explored sounds created by placing various objects (called preparations) on or between the strings to alter the sound.

These are used together with direct plucking of the strings and stroking of the stings to produce an arpeggio effect.

The final work on the programme was the Sonata for 2 Pianos by the French composer Francis Poulenc. This is an interesting work, modern in its starkness and at the same time romantic.

The sonorities are at times wondrous, the interplay between pianos is considered to be among the most satisfying in the repertoire.

The beautifully-wrought phrases and nicely-balanced dialogue between the two pianists was unprecedented, with a remarkable virtuosity and synchronicity and the ability to hand off melodic lines with no sense of change in weight or colour.

This Poulenc is a dramatic piece that demands technical proficiency and plenty of heart, both of which were delivered in abundance.

A most enjoyable evening that was greatly appreciated by the audience.

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