Dvorak Ten Legends, B117. From the Bohemian Forest, B133. Silke-Thora Matthies, Christian Kohn (pf duet).

Naxos (Super budget price) (CD) 8 553137 (69 minutes: DDD).

Playing piano duets tends to be a domestic rather than concert activity, and probably one less popular than it used to be; in any case, these two sets of pieces make quite tough demands on amateur fingers from time to time, so this is a welcome record. They have also, as John Clapham writes, “been overshadowed to some extent by the Slavonic Dances” (Antonin Dvorak; London: 1966), which is a pity as they contain some of Dvorak’s most delightful music in not dissimilar manner. In some ways he ranges wider here, not only exploring dance rhythms (as in the First and Third Legends), but trying out various treatments for melodic material with delicate or even troubling counterpoint and harmonization, and making skilful use of piano sonorities. The orchestral versions are enchanting, as those who possess, say, Sir Charles Mackerras’s record with the English Chamber Orchestra (EMI Eminence, 3/95) will surely agree, and the pieces duly enchanted Brahms and even Hanslick (their dedicatee), but there is a case for hearing them in their original forms.

The suite From the Bohemian Forest was never orchestrated (at any rate, not by Dvorak, except for the one entitled “Silent woods”), but is similar in manner and in charm. The pieces are also highly enjoyable, and are captivatingly played here with sensitivity to their varying moods and natures; the recording keeps the textures warm and bright.

JW