Since their marriage in 2004, Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung have pursued their respective solo careers alongside a robust exploration of the piano duet and two-piano repertories. Happily, their collaborative work is characterised by hand-in-glove ensemble, vividly conceived interpretations and a wealth of nuanced detail, and this latest album combines original works and transcriptions by Debussy and Ravel.

If the recasting of so personal a work as Debussy’s ‘Clair de lune’ seems almost a contradiction in terms, any reservations are quickly allayed. Bax and Chung traverse Dutilleux’s skilful transcription with admirable unity of intent and action. Two duet transcriptions by Léon Roques, La plus que lente and ‘La fille aux cheveux de lin’ (Préludes, Book 1), are effective and hew closely to Debussy’s originals. The Prélude à L’après-midi d’un faune is beautifully laid out, deeply felt and abundant in varieties of attack and release. While some of Ravel’s tremolando evocations of Debussy’s score seem less than successful, this performance nevertheless creates a rich, ineluctable atmosphere.

To some listeners, Ravel’s La valse may have become the personal province of Martha Argerich with various partners. Yet here, both with regard to bravura and abandon, Bax and Chung are certainly contenders. Pianists will be fascinated by the variety of their glissandos.

The crown jewel of the programme may well be En blanc et noir. Cohesive sweep, delicacy of execution and, when required, sheer power place this among the finest readings of Debussy’s 1915 masterpiece. Heartily recommended.

‘Debussy and Ravel for Two’

Debussy En blanc et noir. Petite Suite. La plus que lente (arr Roques). Prélude à L’après-midi d’un faune (arr Ravel). Préludes – La fille aux cheveux de lin (arr Roques). Suite bergamasque – Clair de lune (arr Dutilleux) Ravel Ma Mère l’Oye. La valse

Alessio Bax, Lucille Chung pf/pfs

Signum SIGCD787

This review originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of International Piano. Never miss an issue – subscribe today