A terrific disc: The James and Kathryn March piano duo’s direct, flexible, forward-moving extroversion gets right to the stylistic and emotional core of these delightful works. Every rubato breathes in just the right proportion, and the primo part’s slithery grace notes actually seem to bend. Tempo changes are effected with utter naturalness, and no matter how brisk things go, nothing’s overdriven or rushed. Put simply, these pianists swing–and sound as if they’re thoroughly enjoying themselves. What a world of difference compared to Jean-François Heisser and Marie-Kosèphe Jude’s fussy duetting on Auvidis/Naïve! Although Centaur’s fine sonics truthfully rank a nine rating, the performances are so yummy that they deserve an 11. Eleven and nine make 20, and so do “10/10” if you get my drift!
