Johann Strauss II – Waltzes and Polkas for Four Hands
Matthieu Idmtal & Alessandro Deljavan — Pavane Records (release: 7 November 2025)
With this new release, Pavane brings a sparkling and exceptionally refined interpretation of Johann Strauss II in the intimate form of four-hand piano playing. Matthieu Idmtal and Alessandro Deljavan deliberately choose the original piano versions of Strauss's most famous waltzes and polkas, demonstrating how refined, colorful, and musically rich these works are when approached with conviction by two accomplished artists.
The duo creates a homogeneous sound from the very beginning. Idmtal, who has long distinguished himself through his poetic approach to the Romantic repertoire, and Deljavan, an internationally seasoned performer with an impressive artistic career and remarkable stylistic versatility, find common ground in playing that sounds both spontaneous and thoughtfully crafted. Their phrasing is fluid, their timing precise, and their mutual communication effortless. The music thereby gains a naturally breathing lightness without losing depth.
The waltzes and polkas that made Strauss world-famous unfold in this recording with elegant transparency. In works such as Vienna Blood and Voices of Spring both pianists let the melodic lines sing warmly and lyrically, while the subtle rhythmic elements remain crystal clear throughout. The polkas brim with energy and finesse, displaying a playful articulation that never sounds rushed. In Tales from the Vienna Woods what stands out especially is the richness of color: Idmtal and Deljavan bring an almost orchestral palette of nuances that guides the listener effortlessly through the piece's changing character.
The recording itself is clear, balanced, and detailed, allowing every nuance of touch and dynamics to shine through beautifully. The decision to devote the entire playing time to these original four-hand versions proves particularly successful, as it allows the listener to directly experience how Strauss's dance music sounded in the context it was originally intended for: lively, sparkling, and with an intimate elegance that sometimes gets lost on a grand orchestral stage.
What truly sets this CD apart is the careful combination of technical mastery, musical intuition, and stylistic understanding. Idmtal and Deljavan demonstrate that the charm of Strauss rests not on glitter or bravura, but on subtly balanced phrasing, rhythmic refinement, and a playful, underlying melancholy. Their collaboration transforms this recording into a warm, appealing, and remarkably convincing whole.
This Strauss tribute shows how rich and expressive the four-hand piano repertoire can be when in the hands of two pianists who seamlessly blend their musical insights with one another. The result is a recording that radiates charm, gleams with musical craftsmanship, and allows Strauss's music to shine anew in all its elegance.
