Duo Pianist Carles & Sofia will perform March 23, 2024 at 7 pm at the Manila Piano showroom, Ronac Lifestyle Center, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati.
Music is a dynamic art form that can transport us to different worlds through every key, tune, and arrangement. When we watch artists perform live, we are often left in awe of their musical artistry. Through their fingers on the piano, hearts are touched and minds captivated. But before a masterpiece comes to light, pianists work hard to develop technique, passion, and, in the case of duo pianists, a mutual understanding to produce quality and elegance. This is true of Carles Lama and Sofia Cabruja, known as “the kings of the piano four hands,” according to New York critics.
During a recent interview, Carles and Sofia, who are visiting the Philippines for the first time, expressed their excitement to share with the audience their unique approach to music. They have prepared a special program.
They share here the story behind their music.
Carles Lama and Sofia Cabruja, known as ‘the kings of the piano four hands’
Carles and Sofia, known as Steinway Artists, are classical musicians widely acclaimed as among the world’s top piano duos. The two have been performing together since 1987, and have gained quite a following. They have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, and the Teatro Solís in Montevideo. They frequently play as a duo or with orchestras in cities such as London, Sao Paulo, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur.
Theirs is a story of a collaboration born of unexpected circumstances. In 1987, they found themselves playing together almost by accident. Sofia’s teacher, seeking something special for a student recital, paired them up to play Brahms’ Waltzes for piano four hands. Though they had known and admired each other as soloists, it was during this collaboration that they discovered their connection.
The duo decided to commit exclusively to playing piano four hands, resulting in a lasting partnership that has defined their musical careers.
Amid the opportunities, Carles and Sofia have been also honest about the challenges they face as a duo, which fellow duo players will probably relate to. “During our career, we have been fighting against the stigma of the piano four hands being considered something ‘for fun,’ something easier than playing piano solo, something light, weak. Some people consider the repertoire for four hands ‘not serious’ or ‘unsubstantial,'” they say in a joint statement.
Playing piano with four hands is no walk in the park; it’s a complex and demanding endeavor compared to solo piano. Mastering this art calls for technical skill, adaptability, and a deep understanding between collaborators. Achieving that connection, where both players “feel the music” in sync, takes years of working together. It’s a journey that requires dedication and skill, offering a rich challenge for those who take it on.
“It is not only a question of ‘playing together, hitting the notes at the same time,’ but above all, a question of feeling together, expressing the emotions of the music together,” the duo says.
Adjusting to the shared performance space, meticulous hand and finger skills, achieving synchronicity in emotional intensity, and conveying a unified message is vital. True mastery enables the duo to sound like a single, cohesive performer.
The two enjoy delving into piano four hands, as it brings a fresh dimension to the instrument and to their art as chamber musicians. This allows them to play around all registers, and infuse color in harmonies.
When asked how they plan their programs, the duo reveals that when selecting musical programs, they naturally lean towards pieces they excel at and enjoy the most. However, they also think it is significant to consider the event organizers, and any specific requests or preferences of their audience. It’s a balance between showcasing their strengths and tailoring their performance to meet unique expectations.
“Each audience is different, and the presenters are the ones who know their public and what they can enjoy and appreciate better, so we think that as artists, we must be flexible and meet their requirements,” they said.
Carles and Sofia have had a deep love for opera music since they were young. They also enjoy listening to lieder, which helped them pay for their piano studies. Together, they spent hours listening to great singers such as Maria Callas, Mario del Monaco, Kiri Te Kanawa, Jessye Norman.
Today, they actively promote classical music and nurture young talents through lectures and master classes across Europe and Asia.
They are also recognized for their philanthropy, receiving recognition from Unicef in 2001, and awards such as Estrella de Oro a la Excelencia Profesional and Medalla de Oro al Mérito en el Trabajo in 2017, and Cruz Europea de Oro in 2018.
They established Concerts4Good: Music on a Mission, followed by the Carles & Sofia Music Foundation in 2021. This foundation guides young musicians not only in their artistic journeys, but also in developing values. The foundation equips artists with resources, knowledge, and a moral compass to navigate the classical music world and the global landscape.
The journey of Carles and Sofia as duo pianists is proof of how an unexpected turn of events can open new possibilities, leading to a positive change in the world.
Duo Pianist Carles & Sofia will perform March 23, 2024 at 7 pm at the Manila Piano showroom, Ronac Lifestyle Center, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati. For tickets, please call CAEO at (0920) 954-0053 or (0918) 347-3027, email josephuy2004@yahoo.com, or purchase through Ticket2Me. Net.
