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20 Digitus Duo in London

An eclectic and absorbing programme was presented by the 20 Digitus Duo, Maria Garcia and Momoko Muramatsu, to a packed St. Martin in the Fields, in London on 6 August. The music was very effectively divided into 3 contrasting parts, opening with three Bach Chorale Preludes arranged with great affection for four hands/one piano by György Kurtág. The duo gave a heartfelt performance, as the music ranged from simplicity to considerable virtuosity, magically realising in the second chorale the unusual pipe organ effect.

The duo have a strong affinity for the music of Latin America, which was demonstrated in the next two pieces. Carlos Guastavino was one of Argentina’s great song-writers. One of his best known songs, The Dove was Mistaken arranged by the duo from... (click to continue reading)

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Ray Picot

Iberian & Latin American Music Society (London)

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A Genre-Bending Piano-Duo Is Getting Portland the Classical Latin It’s Been Missing by Charity Marchandt

Willamete Weekly Fall '16 Guide

Oregon Music News

click image to read full article

"Maxixe" by Charles Copeland, the most fun piece on the program, was the first that really got toes tapping. XX Digitus Piano Duo (Momoko Muramatsu and Maria Garcia) delivered a dynamite performance of a tribute to the great American composer George Antheil, a Brazilian tango that seemed to touch both the Bad Boy of music’s intentionally mechanical (as in his dizzy Ballet Mecanique) and jazzy (like his Jazz Symphony) sides."

 

- Brett Campbell - Oregon Arts Watch

Pianists Maria Garcia and Momoko Muramatsu form the XX Digitus Duo, which offers an unusual combination of serious accomplishment and dynamic presentation, accessible and fascinating both to experts and novices. They love their music and they love the audience. They are masters at beauty, sensitivity and energy in a range of music from classical to modern. Their performance at our recent house concert resulted in a rare immediate and well-deserved standing ovation. We feel privileged to know them and look forward to having them perform again in our house concert series."

Viktors Berstis and Sylvia Gray
houseconcertspdx.org

"XX Digitus Duo performed Debussy’s Six Épigraphes Antiques with exquisite delicacy, nuance, and a palette full of subtle colors that this lovely piece requires. The Six epigraphes was a highlight of our summer “Debussy Revolutionized” showcase with Maria and Momoko deftly and ably accompanying Agnieszka Laska dancers, creating a memorable impression of sound and sight. We are delighted when Maria and Momoko show up to play at any of our chamber jams, too! This past summer, they wowed us with the four-handed piano version of Milhaud’s Le bouef sur la toit (The Ox on the Roof). The duo captured all of the jaunty, surrealist fun in the piece while justly emphasizing the rollicking, Brazilian-influenced melodies and rhythms incorporated by Milhaud."

 

Joel Kleinbaum, Board of Directors, Classical Revolution PDX

"Maria and Momoko form a polished, professional piano duo. They come with very high musical credentials and together are a dynamite team! I have heard them in full-length programs three times in the last six months. The first time was in May 2015 at The Old Church – and I was hooked! As a duo they bring vitality and precision to the keyboard. I really love the refreshing variety of their repertoire. These two women definitely make a connection with their audience through their personalities and exciting musical performance. I will hear them any chance I get!"

 

Lynda B., concert goer

"There is an intimacy and honesty here that makes the music overflowing with imagination and excitement.  The masterful Duo keeps you constantly listening for what comes next.  A gift of music magically played with energy and drama you won't forget!"

 

Vicky M.,  concert goer

"Most four hand playing tends to be a bit disappointing.  The players are not really together.  If they are on the same beat technically it is usually at the expense of the players breathing the music together.  Not so with these two piano dancers.  They breathe the same, rise and fall the same, whisper and shout the same.  Perhaps more important, they are obviously having a ball. It is almost more fun overhearing them practicing than in a formal recital. They laugh, giggle and holler with reckless abandon. Their range is broad and varied from Bach to Schubert, Brahms, Ravel and Milhaud. Don't pass up any chance to hear and enjoy them."

 

Bill L., - concert goer and Portland Piano Company representative

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