Directory
Duo Pianists
In the rarefied world of duo piano music, the team of Luis Magalhaes and Nina Schumann has established itself, for both audiences and critics, as one of the most outstanding. Their exemplary performances have been praised throughout North America, Europe and Africa. Indeed, in Portugal, the Jornal de Noticias, referred to the duo as "grand….they rival the mythical Labeque sisters.," while in South Africa, "Die Burger described their performance as impressive for its expressive feeling and insight".
In the five years since its formation in 1999, the Magalhaes & Schumann Piano Duo has performed the world over. They met at the University of North Texas, where both were students of Vladimir Viardo, the distinguished Russian pianist. In an act that might best be described as providential, less than a year later Mr Magalhaes and Ms Schumann married
While each continues to pursue an active solo career, they are internationally regarded not only for their comprehensive virtuosity, exemplary ensemble and passionate musicality, but for the unusual repertoire they have cultivated. Among their programs are several, which sport a thematic thread. Among these are the complete Beetheoven Symphonies for four hands; the complete two piano music of Rachmaninoff; and several programs that include music for two pianos and percussion .
REVIEWS
- "With the performance of Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos, the orchestra delivered good ensemble work with the two pianists, Nina Schumann and Luis Magalhães. Both pianists impressed not only with technical facility, but especially with stylish feeling and insight.
- Die Burger - 30 August 1999
- "The performances [of Brahms Piano Quintett in the two piano version] have enormous energy, shine and enthusiasm. Ensemble and balance between the two pianos were continuously excellent, but there was still a feeling of spontaneity with time inflections, which felt natural and without superficiality. The moods alternated between powerful maestoso in the first movement, tenderness in the second, warm-blooded sonority and excitement in the scherzo, and a mysterious slow introduction before the triumphant highlight of the finale.But it was good to hear the Magalhaes-couple's performance on two pianos. It opened my ears to a new angle on the quintet in its final form. The concert opened with a beautiful performance of Busoni's arrangement of Mozart's Finale from the Piano Concerto in F major, K.459. The repertoire of good works for Two Pianos are limited, but if it is played by the talented Magalhaes and Schumann, it remains a listening pleasure."
- Die Burger - 6 August 2002
- "A great moment in concert for two pianos…Luis Magalhaes and Nina Schumann shine…The young pianist Luis Miguel Magalhães ascends quickly but we know very little about him here. Disciple of Burmester, he is one of the rare privileged of Viardo. Overseas he interpreted faultlessly the 3rd concerto by Rachmaninoff with Maestro Zilm. With his wife Nina Schumann, they complete each other in such way that they will be real competition for the mythical Labeque sisters….Where Luis Magalhães satirizes in this Poulenc of 1932, Nina Schumann responds with irony. If he sweetens the adorable 'Larghetto' then Nina shows her womanly touch: even more tender, if possible. All of this becomes unpredictable. The rhythm (masculine!) of the pianist seems to prevail in the devilish 'allegro molto' They get into an endless 'fight' In the mixture of jazz and many other tasty elements, in fashion in France on the twenties the conclusion is explosive. The audience was delirious, standing at the end of the first half"
- Jornal de Noticias, 24 July 2001
AUDIO LINKS
Rachmaninoff Suite (recorded in concert)Contact details and further information
Identity Marketing for Concert Artists, Inc.E-mail IMCA
For more information on Ms Schumann and Mr. Magalhaes, visit their website at www.twopianists.com