When two of the world's top pianists join forces to play a two-piano, four-hand recital, one must expect to hear something special.
Both were born in Buenos Aires of European-Jewish descent, and were child prodigies who played games together.
Later they met in some concerts where Barenboim was conductor, but this is their first recording together in six decades of public life; it shows how they still obviously ''click'' musically.
This disc recalls the Aldeburgh Festival in 1964 when host Benjamin Britten sat down with Sviatoslav Richter at a second piano to rattle off (well, smooth) Schubert's contemplative Variations on an Original Theme in A flat major, D.813.
The modern pair enchant with this same work after enjoying Mozart's cheerful Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K.448.
Both these works showed two virtuosos enjoying their wonderful duet roles.
But the highlight of their performance undoubtedly comes in its finale: Stravinsky's Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) as arranged by the composer for two pianos, and once performed by him with Debussy.
From precious moments to pounding pyrotechnics the spirit of the music is played here with such brilliance that Barenboim (who had conducted many orchestral performances) is reported as saying he was ''flabbergasted''.
Listeners must be impressed by the huge contrasts in Stravinsky's loud vitality and sweet sensitivity exploited marvellously by the pianists.
This live performance in Berlin last year was part of that city's spring festival.
The recorded sound is excellent even though an occasional cough from the audience may intrude.
Highlight: Very exciting reunion of two piano superstars.
