Xaver Scharwenka's piano duet transcriptions of Beethoven's symphonies set a new standard in scholarship and practicality at the dawn of the 20th century, before radio broadcasting and gramophones.
Recording & Production
The recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, arranged by Franz Xaver Scharwenka, is a "first recording" of this specific arrangement.
Composition History
Robert Schumann's Andante and Variations in B-flat major, Op. 46, was originally scored for two pianos, two cellos, and horn, but Mendelssohn convinced Schumann to revise it for two pianos.
Interpretation
Tessa Uys and Ben Schoeman are recording the complete Beethoven Symphonies transcribed for piano four hands by Franz Xaver Scharwenka for SOMM Recordings.
Performer Biography
Ben Schoeman, a Steinway Artist, won the First Prize in the 11th UNISA International Piano Competition and the Gold Medal in the Royal Over-Seas League Competition.
Compositional Technique
Camille Saint-Saëns' Variations on a Theme of Beethoven, Op. 35, for two pianos, pays homage to Beethoven's identically numbered Op. 35 by using a theme from Beethoven's Op. 31 No. 3 Sonata.
Performer Biography
Tessa Uys, a concert performer and broadcasting artiste, was first taught piano by her mother, Helga Bassel, who was also a noted concert pianist.
