Melvin Stecher and Norman Horowitz, the acclaimed American piano duo known as Stecher & Horowitz since 1951, are equally celebrated in the world of music education. Their biannual New York International Piano Competition has recognized some of the best young pianists of our time. The competition has also commissioned original works from important composers of our day. These works are presented on this album, some for the first time, performed by some of the notable prize-winners of the competition. Also included is the premiere recording of the two-piano version of Walter Piston’s Concerto for Two Pianos, written for Stecher & Horowitz.

-----

REVIEW:

The performers are young New York International Piano Competition prize-winners, and to a one they find the music sympathetic. Standouts are Mackenzie Melamed’s performance of Avner Dorman’s Three Etudes, which bring real piano-friendly virtuosity to a modern Ligeti-like idiom, and the Concerto for Two Pianos Soli of Walter Piston, which is richly in need of revival. But the whole program is enjoyable, accessible, and varied. Recommended, with fine Steinway Hall sound.

– All Music Guide