Two quite lovely lps from the early 50's that feature the piano talents of Paul Badura-Skoda and Jorg Demus in two hand/two piano music of Mozart. These exceptional records were issued when both artists were in their mid 20's; happily both are still alive and active, internationally known and respected, as they enjoy their ninth decade on God's green earth. As a note, months separate them in birth dates.
Paul Badura-Skoda probably has enjoyed the greater international solo career of the two though Demus, no less an artist, is regarded as one of the very finest solo partners of his time, whether as support to an instrumental soloist or a vocalist. Together, they strike the perfect balance and collaborate as a pair of equals, each intuitively understanding the next move of their partner. There is not one instance here of one of them trying to "out do" the other. They listen to each other and appreciate the fact that they are conduits for Mozart's genius.
What really strikes me about these performances are the immediacy and afffection that these two, at the time very young, artists bring to the music. There is no youthful bombast or immaturity here. You know, last week I read in the Wall Street Journal an interview with Leon Fleisher in which he lamented the lack of sensitivity that many talented pianists bring to the keyboard. They have technique to burn but that sense of soul that Schnabel imparted onto Fleisher is missing from their artistry. Badura-Skoda and Demus, being contemporaries of Fleisher, understand that concept and the results of their labors are keen musicianship through effective listening. What Schnabel spoke of is presented here so engagingly and at appropriate moments, tenderly.
In the near future, I will follow this offering up with Schubert performed by these two exquisite artists.
