Anton Arensky, a composer featured on this album, taught at the Moscow Conservatory from 1882-1895, and his students included significant figures like Alexander Scriabin, Nikolai Medtner, and Sergei Rachmaninov.
Composition History
The literature for two pianos saw its greatest development in the 20th century, with earlier works being rare and often single pieces in composers' outputs.
Composer's Artistic Vision
For both Arensky and Rachmaninov, the two-piano formation was treated individually, allowing them to fully showcase its wide range of colors, multidimensionality, powerful sound, virtuosity, and lyricism.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at the Concert Hall of the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music in Lusławice, Poland, between June 23 and 26, 2020.
Performer Biography
The Książek Piano Duo, consisting of Agnieszka Zahaczewska-Książek and Krzysztof Książek, was founded in 2012 and has performed internationally in Switzerland, France, Thailand, the UK, and South Africa.
Performer Biography
Agnieszka Zahaczewska-Książek, the other half of the Książek Piano Duo, is a member of Trio Legend, which won first prize at the XXVI International Johannes Brahms Competition in Pörtschach in 2019.
Performer Biography
Krzysztof Książek, one half of the Książek Piano Duo, was a semi-finalist and received two special prizes at the 17th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 2015.
