Mozart Mendelssohn Bruch Double Piano Concertos

By Etta | May 20, 2007

Have you heard of Guher and Suher Pekinel?

The Pekinels are twin sisters.

Born in Istanbul, they have studied music in France, German and the United States, and have won prizes as piano soloists as well as a duo in numerous international competitions.

This single disc Double Piano Concertos is recorded back in September 1998.

A 79-minute recording, this disc features

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791)
Concerto for two pianos and orchestra, K.365 in E flat major
- This piano concerto was possibly composed during the years of 1777 and 1779. It is believed that this double concerto was performed by Mozart along with his sister Nannerl on a sibling tour.
Max Bruch (1838 - 1920)
Concerto for two pianos and orchestra, Op.88a in A flat minor
- According to the liner notes, this concerto is a re-worked version of a suite for organ and orchestra by Bruch.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1947)
Concerto for two pianos and orchestra in E major
- Composed when he was fourteen, this was the first of two concertos for two pianos by Mendelssohn.

Instead of playing next to one another or having eye contact during performances, the Pekinel Sisters often choose to play back-to-back on their individual pianos.

Their performances are superb and their interpretations are often very pleasant to the ears.

I highly recommend this CD by the Pekinel Sisters along with Mozart: Concertos 1 piano, 2 pianos, 3 pianos by the Canadian Parkers.

You’ll definitely want to own a copy if you’re a fan of the piano concertos!