Duo Shu
Blue Griffin, 2021
8/10
This debut album from Duo Shu, which is Yi-Wen Zhang on cello and Nanyi Qiang handling piano, has the pair interpreting a diverse and precise handful of pieces that are full of warmth, culture and charm.
The album leads with the stirring keys and emotive strings of Gabriel Fauré’s “Les Berceaux, Op. 23, No. 1”, where the pair interact with much intimacy, and “Aprés. un Réve, Op. 7, No. 1”, also by Fauré, follows with a mesmerizing quality where the duo emit much beauty.
Moving along, “Vocalise”, by Sergei Rachmaninoff, recruits cautious melody where both players showcase their respective talents with much awe, while the aptly titled titled “4 Romantic Pieces, Op. 75, B. 150” indeed seems like it should soundtrack a cherished evening with someone you love.
The listen exits on the playful and animated “Romanian Folk Dances”, where the 6 movements showcase firm key acrobatics and jumpy strings in a very exciting and memorable finish.
Zhang and Qiang have been collaborating for many years now, and that is quite apparent as they play off each other’s strengths flawlessly across this often meditative and reflective body of work that highlights the many facets of their respective instruments.
Travels well with: Molly Fillmore- Bold Beauty; Inna Faliks- Reimagine: Beethoven & Ravel