Dip Your Ears, No. 132 (Gál’s Marionettes)

Hans Gál, Complete Piano Duos Goldstone and Clemmow Piano Duo Divine Art 245098

Don’t let the amateurish graphic design of this release (strictly speaking re-release from an earlier Olympia recording), or the performer’s shiny turquoise waistcoat fool you: These are quality piano duos by the wonderful, woefully neglected Hans Gál, in highly professional, thoughtful performances by Caroline Clemmow and Anthony Goldstone. Three Marionettes is easy enough to be played by gifted students, and charming enough to be listened to by veteran ears: humorous and bold. Gál studied piano alongside Rudolf Serkin and Clara Haskil and knew the instrument. It shows in the idiomatic simplicity of the Serbian Dances and the sophistication of the Concertino—which make a graceful introduction to the composer.