"Thrilling and flamboyant, tender and passionate, vibrant and dynamic, Magalhães and Schumann excel in the raptly uplifting and colourful writing of El Salón México. I am puzzled why I have not come across the excellent duo of Magalhães and Schumann previously. What an outstanding partnership they make and just where have they been hiding? I was especially impressed by their unison and the magnificent range of keyboard colour achieved is remarkable. Playing their stunning Bösendorfer model 280 concert grand pianos the assured duo provide interpretations that could scarcely be bettered. There is much excellent music to enjoy here. In fact I loved this disc from start to finish."
Michael Cookson, MusicWeb International, 20 Aug 2009
"The central Valse of No. 1 with its delicate hesitations and stately confidence is memorable. The Polonaise finale of No. 1 is part romp part grand strut. The Second Suite is in four movements. The first is the melodramatic Le Savant, suggestive of the supernatural and mediums. La Coquette is suitably well coquettish with a glint in the eye and an inveigling smile. Polichinelle is played to the shuddering hilt. Splendid stuff. You can really feel the excitement in the playing. Overall then this is one of the finest piano duo discs with some really exciting playing amid an intrepid choice of repertoire."
Rob Barnett, MusicWeb International, 20 Aug 2009
"Schumann and Magalhães are magnificent. The numerous virtuoso passages - executed here in astounding unity - are presented with an abundantly flamboyant approach, and fortissimi and pianissimi follow one another as if constituting a natural gesture. The essential thing is that the two pianists are in complete control of the enormous structure. That is why their give and take, the continually pulsating tension points in the work, is so impeccable. This is profound music-making - although music for two pianos so often gives the impression of showing off - and this happens precisely because their technical skills do not in the least affect their purposeful 'attack'. It is all very exciting, but in between the surges, amazing chord passages and lightning-like leaps and bounds, there lies inherent musicality and loads of musical expressiveness. This is a product of the highest quality, comparable to top-quality products on the international circuit and CD market. It is a recording which, like those of Cliburn and Arrau decades ago, will afford hours of listening and repeated listening pleasure."
Thys Odendaal, Beeld, 12 Aug 2009
"The repertoire chosen for their second CD release is a masterpiece, listening to the CD is much like attending a very entertaining and exciting concert. The Lutoslawski Paganini variations for two pianos has a marvellous jagged feel which is not easy to play. This is truly creative stuff, the variations are rhythmically and harmonically charged with almost an angry energy, Schumann & Magalhães show remarkable restraint in not going over the top. Copland’s El Salón México arranged for two pianos by Leonard Bernstein is a tour de force, a must listen for rhythmic virtuosity."
Mike Ford, ClassicFM, 4 Sept 2009
