Even the demise of the modernist tyranny has not quite rescued the reputation of composer Jean Françaix, who had the misfortune to write light music in a serious age. For those who haven't heard much of Françaix, this delightful performance of his 1965 Concerto for two pianos and orchestra makes a fine place to start. A true Mozartian spirit should not need any justification, but for those who still require some, consider the masterful handling of the instruments: the entrancing second theme of the first movement is ...
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Even the demise of the modernist tyranny has not quite rescued the reputation of composer Jean Françaix, who had the misfortune to write light music in a serious age. For those who haven't heard much of Françaix, this delightful performance of his 1965 Concerto for two pianos and orchestra makes a fine place to start. A true Mozartian spirit should not need any justification, but for those who still require some, consider the masterful handling of the instruments: the entrancing second theme of the first movement is delivered by winds and horns, with the pianos dancing above. Recalling the Austrian emperor's admonition to Mozart that one of his operas contained "too many notes," Françaix said his concerto contained a lot of notes, but that he had chosen his "drops of rain" carefully. Although it is in four movements, not three, Françaix's concerto evinces a strong familiarity with Poulenc's Concerto in D minor for two pianos and orchestra, a work that makes the influence of Mozart (as well as a brush...
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![Concertos for 2 Pianos [Mona Bard; Rica Bard; Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rhienland-Pfalz, Ariane Matiakh] [Capriccio: C5237]](https://www2.alibris-static.com/cover/o05212daaxc_t.jpg)
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