This is the fourth volume of Isabel Beyer’s and Harvey Dagul’s survey of the piano duets of Moszkowski and his contemporaries, and it follows a similar vein to earlier volumes (reviewed 8/98). Two sets of Moszkowski’s pieces frame the disc, including the ever-popular Spanish Dances, which many pianists will remember from their youth. Moszkowski’s contemporaries on this volume are Paul Juon, who is also represented on Vols. 2 and 3, and Florent Schmitt (1870-1958). Schmitt’s Feuillets de voyage is a pleasant affair with some beguiling music, but is ultimately not especially memorable; Juon’s characterful and engaging Dance Rhythms are more varied and inventive.
As we have come to expect, Beyer and Dagul are always accomplished and musicianly, and their expressive unity signals a partnership of experience and maturity. On occasion, however, their playing seems little more than dutiful. Moszkowski’s Spanish Dances are forthright and earthy, but they don’t really sparkle, and would surely benefit from an injection of colour, or the odd touch of wit. In the lyrical pieces this duo exudes a gentle charm and elegance, but rarely goes up a gear to another level of expressive or technical energy. The most animated playing comes in the Juon pieces, where Beyer and Dagul are more responsive to the spirited and idiomatic piano writing. The recorded sound is acceptable, although the upper register is slightly shrill or glassy. Recommended primarily to those already collecting this series.'