Inside Petrof: Mozart to Moszkowski - A Dueling Piano Adventure with Mada & Hugh!
Release Date: 10/22/2023
Mada & Hugh Piano Duo
Picture this: we're sitting at the piano, working through Johann Christian Bach's Op. 15 duets, when something strikes us. This music represents an extraordinary business story from the 18th century. Here's "The London Bach"—music master to Queen Charlotte herself—lending royal authority to what had been, just twelve months earlier, a quirky experiment in Charles Burney's workshop. As our hands navigate those elegant galant phrases (carefully avoiding collision), we're reminded that this wasn't simply artistic evolution. This was commerce and art intersecting in remarkable...
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Mada & Hugh Piano Duo preview their September 7 recital at the Enescu Festival in Bucharest, featuring music by Enescu and Livia Teodorescu-Ciocănea. In this episode, the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo share their journey to the George Enescu International Festival in Bucharest, where they will perform on September 7 at the historic Suțu Palace. They explore the legacy of Romania’s greatest composer, George Enescu, and preview their all-Romanian program. The conversation highlights Madalina’s personal connection to her former professor Livia Teodorescu-Ciocănea, whose Sonatina Buffa pays...
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Episode 1: Who Started Writing Four-Hand Piano Music? Podcast Companion Article Who was the first person to write music specifically for two people sharing one keyboard? Why did it take until the 1760s for four-hand piano music to emerge? And what made the idea of two people sitting side by side at a piano so revolutionary—even scandalous—in 18th-century society? These are the questions we explore in our inaugural podcast episode, tracing the fascinating origins of four-hand piano music from its ancient roots to the groundbreaking compositions of three pioneering figures: Ernst Wilhelm...
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This summer has been nothing short of extraordinary for the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo, filled with premieres, collaborations, and unforgettable performances across continents. From the grandeur of Vienna to the vibrancy of Wilmington, Delaware, each stop on our journey added a new layer of meaning to our music-making. A World Premiere in Vienna Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă began the summer in Vienna with a landmark event: the world premiere of a new piano concerto written especially for her by close friend and collaborator, conductor, cellist, and composer Ovidiu Marinescu. Performed with the...
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Welcome to a new chapter in the musical travels of the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo! This time, we’re diving into the vibrant sounds of Romania with our latest arrangement: the Suita din Dobrogea (Suite from Dobrogea). Let us take you on a journey through music and culture as we explore the roots and rhythms of this unique region, all captured in a one-of-a-kind four-hand piano performance. A Love Letter to Romania Mada, born in Romania, shares a deep connection to her homeland, and Hugh, inspired by his partner, has embraced Romanian culture with enthusiasm. Together, we’ve been fascinated...
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In this episode of the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast, we dive deep into the world of performance anxiety with Dr. Robert Hall, a renowned psychiatrist and former professional trombonist. Learn how to manage and deal with stage fright with practical tips, personal stories, and expert advice. 🎹 Topics Covered: Understanding the biology behind performance anxiety Psychological and social factors affecting musicians Practical tips for managing anxiety, including preparation, beta blockers, and CBT The importance of a balanced lifestyle for mental health Personal insights and experiences...
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Welcome to the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast, where we dive into the beautiful fusion of Romanian and Korean cultures through music, life, and love. Today, we’re exploring an unusual yet exciting topic: dating tips for Romanians and Koreans. Whether you’re currently dating or married, these tips can help enhance your relationship, drawing from our personal experiences. Understanding Cultural Dynamics Expressiveness and Communication One of the first things Hugh noticed about Romanian women is their expressiveness and straightforward communication. Romanian culture encourages openness,...
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Welcome back to the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast. In this episode, we conclude our in-depth interview series with the illustrious collaborative pianist and professor Lambert Orkis from Temple University. In this final part, we delve into Lambert’s transition from a solo career to collaborative piano, his long-standing partnership with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, and his insights on the evolving landscape of classical music. Transition to Collaborative Piano Lambert Orkis began his musical journey as a solo pianist, but he quickly found his true calling in collaborative piano. In his...
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Welcome back to the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast. In this episode, we continue our engaging interview with the illustrious collaborative pianist and professor Lambert Orkis from Temple University. This is the second part of a three-part series where we delve into Professor Orkis's experiences post-graduation from the Curtis Institute of Music, his collaboration with the legendary cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence. The Path After Curtis Upon graduating from the Curtis Institute of Music, Lambert Orkis faced an existential crisis. Like many...
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Welcome to another episode of the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast. Today, we're thrilled to bring you the first part of our interview with the esteemed collaborative pianist and professor, Lambert Orkis from Temple University. This interview, originally conducted last year, delves into the early life, musical beginnings, and career of Professor Orkis. As we reflect on our first guest, we are excited to share his story and insights into his approach to music and life. Setting the Scene We filmed this special interview at Temple University's Boyer College of Music, specifically in Rock Hall, a...
info_outlineThere's a certain magic that unfurls when two pianists share a musical space. This magic is evident in the harmonious interplay between Mada & Hugh, a celebrated piano duo that has captivated audiences and listeners with their virtuosic performances and insightful commentaries. As the curtains rise on the second season of their weekly podcast series, music enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to. In the burgeoning world of classical music podcasts, Mada & Hugh have carved a niche with their unique focus on piano duo music. Their series is not just about performances; it offers deep dives into the stories behind the compositions, the histories of the instruments, and the personal experiences of the two pianists.
A Visit to the Heart of Piano Craftsmanship
The duo kicks off their second season with an intimate recounting of their visit to the esteemed Petrof Piano Factory in the Czech Republic. For many, the name 'Petrof' is synonymous with precision, tradition, and unparalleled craftsmanship in piano making. Mada & Hugh's narrative paints a vivid picture, allowing listeners to virtually walk the corridors of the factory, smell the wood, and feel the palpable passion of the craftsmen who breathe life into these instruments.
Mozart and Moszkowski on Petrof Next Upright Pianos
But what's a visit to a piano factory without some performance? Using two Petrof Next upright pianos, Mada & Hugh present an enthralling rendition of Mozart's Sonata in D major K. 381. The sonata, composed when Mozart was merely a teenager, has all the vivacity, sprightliness, and sophistication you'd expect from the genius composer. Mada & Hugh's interpretation, bolstered by the sonorous tones of the Petrof pianos, gives a fresh take on this well-loved piece, making it resonate with both classical aficionados and new listeners. The episode also features a scintillating performance of Moritz Moszkowski's "Habanera" from his set of Spanish Dances, Op. 12. Moszkowski, often hailed as the "German Chopin," has an oeuvre that's replete with lyrical beauty and fiery rhythms. The "Habanera", with its seductive, swaying rhythms, finds an apt vessel in Mada & Hugh's hands, and the Petrof upright pianos further enhance the sultry undertones of the piece.
Looking Ahead
With such a promising start to their second season, listeners are bound to be on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting for subsequent episodes. The Mada & Hugh Piano Duo, with their combination of engaging narratives and sublime performances, are not just preserving the rich legacy of piano duo music but are also ensuring its propagation to newer generations. For those yearning for an immersive musical experience that educates, entertains, and evokes profound emotions, tuning in to Mada & Hugh's podcast is an absolute must. Their journey into the realm of piano duo music is one that promises discovery, delight, and sheer musical decadence.
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