“Having been trained on both period and modern instruments, we struggled with the question of which instrument renders the most authentic performance of Beethoven's Complete Piano Duets. We decided to embrace their inherent technical and interpretive differences and recorded our period instrument disc in an intimate performance space which is in stark contrast to the vibrant concert hall of the modern disc. Although the scores are identical, we are pleased to share two unique interpretations with the listener for comparison.”

– Amy and Sara Hamann

Beethoven's compositions for piano duet embrace works written for students as well as those designed for aristocratic acquaintances and friends. This release presents two recordings of the complete works: the first (CD 1) on a modern Yamaha piano, and the second (CD 2) on chronologically accurate reproductions of the fortepianos Beethoven was composing on at the time. The modern piano was recorded in a concert hall, whereas the period instrument recording was made in a much more intimate space, showcasing the salon performance settings of the past.

CD 1 – Played on a modern piano

Sonata in D major for Piano, 4 Hands, Op. 6 (06:19)
1  I. Allegro molto (02:57)
2  II. Rondo: Moderato (03:22)

3  8 Variations on a Theme by Count Waldstein
in C major, WoO 67 (08:23)

4  6 Variations on Ich denke dein
in D major, WoO 74 (04:58)

3 Marches, Op. 45 (13:41)
5  No. 1 in C major – Allegro ma non troppo (04:23)
6  No. 2 in E flat major – Vivace (04:43)
7  No. 3 in D major – Vivace (04:35)

8 Grosse Fuge in B flat major, Op. 134 (15:00)

TOTAL TIME: 48:21

CD 2 – Played on period instruments

Sonata in D major for Piano, 4 Hands, Op. 6 (06:02)
1  I. Allegro molto (02:50)
2  II. Rondo: Moderato 03:12

3  8 Variations on a Theme by Count Waldstein
in C major, WoO 67 (08:32)

4  6 Variations on Ich denke dein
in D major, WoO 74 (04:47)

3 Marches, Op. 45 (13:37)
5  No. 1 in C major – Allegro ma non troppo (04:17)
6  No. 2 in E flat major – Vivace (04:48)
7  No. 3 in D major – Vivace (04:32)

8  Grosse Fuge in B flat major, Op. 134 (13:57)

TOTAL TIME: 46:55

The pianists Amy and Sara Hamann have won international recognition, captivating audiences and critics alike wherever they appear. As winners of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies' Concerto Competition, Amy and Sara made their professional début at the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, MN. They have been featured artists with the Minnesota Orchestra under the baton of Osmo Vänskä, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series, the Carlos Moseley Chamber Music Series, the Oslo International Music Festival, as well as the Quebec International Duo-Piano Festival. Frequently, their performances have been broadcast on national and international television and radio, including NPR's Performance Today and Studio 360. Amy and Sara Hamann are the first American duo to win the Absolute First Prize in the Fryderyk Chopin Concorso Pianistico Internazionale held in Rome, First Prize in the International Grieg Competition, and First Prize of the Ellis Competition for Duo-Pianists. The Hamann Sisters are under the tutelage of Alexander Braginsky.

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Watch Amy and Sara Hamann play Beethoven's Grosse Fuge, Opus 134