The Classics: April 11

Shostakovich, Schnittke, Prokofiev. Santiago Canon Valencia (cello), Katherine Austin (piano). Atoll CD

Three famous modern music composers provide cello and piano sonatas for this recital by a talented cellist (born in Bogota, Colombia) and pianist well known in New Zealand. They were well recorded at Waikato University, Hamilton. Prokofiev's Sonata in C major Op.119 is a pleasingly melodic work with an energetic finale and dramatic finish. The disc opens with Shostakovich's Sonata Op.40, four movements that are restrained apart from the frenetic second movement and irreverence in the finale. Schnittke's 1978 Sonata was most adventurous and thrilling of the three. Its furious Presto, sandwiched between two Largo movements, has wild harmonies, threatening bass quavers on the piano, glissando fifths on cello and a crashing cluster of keyboard notes as climax.

Verdict: Exciting modern music well played.

Live From Buenos Aires: Schumann, Debussy, Bartok. Martha Argerich, Daniel Barenboim (pianos). Deutsche Grammophon CD

Following success last year, Barenboim and Argerich perform chamber music together again in the city of their birth. Three works featured are Debussy's arrangement of Schumann's Six Studies in Canon Form, Debussy's own En blanc et noir and Bela Bartok's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion.

All were recorded last July at the second music festival Barenboim has established in his native Argentina. While not as exciting as the earlier disc in which the two superstars romped through Stravinsky's two-piano version of The Rite of Spring, this disc provides excellent performances of the studies, and Debussy's three-movement work (the last one is dedicated to his friend Stravinsky), Bartok provides some closing keyboard thunder which has two percussionists assisting.

Verdict: Distinguished pianists impress as duo.

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