“The textures shimmer like pure gold in bright light, dancing in every conceivable rhythm. They have to be heard to be believed”
“The textures shimmer like pure gold in bright light, dancing in every conceivable rhythm. They have to be heard to be believed”
In truth, recordings don’t capture the Naughtons’ symbiotic flair — the performance at Rockport revealed them not only to be a superb piano duo, but a significant cut above.
Powered by pianists Christina and Michelle Naughton, twin sisters facing each other as the two nine-foot Steinways were nestled together, the concerto motors along with terrific energy and verve. Martinů pushes the pianos to their limits, with the two instruments intertwined in a delicious web of counterpoint, full of pent-up excitement and an almost Impressionistic color palette.
Pianist twins Christina and Michelle Naughton then lit up the stage with Poulenc’s Concerto in D minor for two pianos and orchestra, adding sly sensuality to the score’s cartoonish antics and leaving the audience calling for more: The twins obliged with an uproarious romp of Lutosławski’s “Variations on a Theme by Paganini.
VIDEO | Originally streamed live from Symphony Hall on October 9, Andris Nelsons conducts Strauss and Mozart, featuring pianists Christina and Michelle Naughton.