WHO WE ARE
Menuhin Duo
“As if entirely of one mind” (Jessica Duchen) captures the essence of every performance by the dynamic Menuhin Duo. Whether performing on two pianos or side-by-side at the same keyboard, Mookie and Jeremy play as one, interpreting the classical repertoire with devotion and joy. The unique soundscape of the two-piano repertoire allows the Duo great flexibility of range, color, and depth in their performances of works by Mozart, Brahms, Schumann, Lutoslawski, Bartok, and many others.
While exploring existing literature by major composers, the Duo also incorporates music composed by Jeremy into their performances. A former student of Nadia Boulanger, Jeremy has transcribed the great chamber works of Schubert and Brahms, and created original repertoire specifically suited to the Menuhin Duo.
Their sensitive, captivating performances have been heard across the globe including appearances at the Pablo Casals Festival (France), the Seoul Spring Festival (S. Korea), and the Gstaad Menuhin Festival (Switzerland) among others. “A vivid double-act at the piano” (Classical Source), the Menuhin Duo delights audiences with their contemporary and timeless celebration of music for piano duo. The Duo bring a transcendent quality to classic and contemporary works alike in performance, creating “the feeling that every note counts.” (Primephonic). Their previous album, Schubert – Menuhin, featuring the 4-hands works of Schubert and Jeremy’s variations from Schubert’s String Quartet in D minor. “Death and the Maiden”, was released on the Genuin Label in 2016.
OUR STORY
Soon after they met, Mookie and Jeremy Menuhin discovered a shared passion for four-hand and two-piano literature. Duos are formed because of musical affinities. Both pianists were brought up to respect the score, and to esteem those who put music first.
A broad experience of chamber music has informed their approach to interpreting two piano works. Apart from music written for orchestra, the polyphonic, almost symphonic, quality of 2 piano writing is unique.
Their repertoire includes Schubert, Mozart, Brahms, Schumann, Lutoslawski, Bartok and others. Out of this collaboration originated in Jeremy a desire to compose, a calling he had abandoned soon after leaving his teacher Nadia Boulanger.
At first he transformed the slow movement of Schubert’s string quartet ‘Death and the Maiden’. Mookie’s constant involvement was an integral part of the process.
Then followed the Brahms sextets, after which Jeremy embarked on writing without reference to other composers. Throughout the coming into being of the works, Mookie has been an essential muse, commenting, questioning and encouraging. In the Brahms B flat major sextet transformation, it was her idea to implant a fugue after the introduction of the theme in the major.
Now all of the Menuhin Duo’s performances include at least one work written by Jeremy.
JEREMY MENUHIN
Jeremy Menuhin is widely regarded for his artistry and the integrity of his interpretations: ‘unfailingly lyrical, exemplary, exquisitely polished, yet directly expressive’ (The New York Times). ‘JM possesses the essential qualities of a maestro, a combination of refinement and contained fervour dominates his playing’ (Le Figaro).
MOOKIE LEE-MENUHIN
Award‐winning pianist Mookie Lee‐Menuhin has performed worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician, touring major music halls and festivals throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Asia. She has also enjoyed numerous television and radio appearances, most notably for the BBC, DR, DK4, Radio Swiss Classic and Danish Radio.
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