Duo Gazzana’s New ECM Masterpiece Brings a Fresh Perspective to Prokofiev, Pärt and Schnittke
After a stunning outing on Robert Schumann, Edvard Grieg and Tõnu Kõrvits, violinist Natascia and pianist Raffaella Gazzana return with a brand‑new recording that pushes the envelope of instinctive expression, according to Le Monde. The French daily lauded the sisters’ “highest levels of instinctive expression” on the previous LP, and it’s clear that the duo has refined their collaborative voice even further on this latest release.
An Album to Remember
Prokofiev – Sonatas No. 1, Op. 80 & Five Melodies, Op. 35a opens the program with a kinetic energy that “makes people jump in their seat,” mirroring the composer’s own fiery vision. Yet the sisters seamlessly transition into a lyrical serenity, especially in the third movement, which feels almost spellbinding. Their rendition of Prokofiev’s Five Melodies is delivered with the same conviction, highlighting both the lyrical beauty and the subtle scherzo-like undercurrents.
The album takes a contemplative turn with Arvo Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel, a piece that the Gazzanas approach with “poise and humility.” Here the music’s shimmering minimalism is amplified by the sisters’ precise touch and nuanced dynamic shading. The closing track, Alfred Schnittke’s Gratulationsrondo, showcases a surprisingly traditional approach from a composer usually known for polystylistic bravado. The duo’s playful, celebratory interpretation brings the piece to life in a way that feels both fresh and unmistakably respectful of the classical idiom.
Recorded in February 2025 at the Reitstadel studio in Neumarkt, the album was produced by ECM’s legendary Manfred Eicher, who is known for capturing the subtlety and clarity that the Gazzanas bring to their performances.
A Duo That’s More Than Just Twins
While both sisters are Italian through and through—born, raised, and initially trained in Rome—they have cultivated an international musical perspective that resonates across continents. Natascia holds a degree in visual arts, and Raffaella completed studies in Italian literature and musicology at La Sapienza University of Rome. Their academic pursuits outside of music translate into an enriched aesthetic sensibility that shines through every recital.
From the grand stages of Milan and New York to the intimate venues of Seoul, Singapore, and Mexico City, the Gazzana sisters have consistently garnered acclaim for their versatility and warmth. Whether performing Baroque counterpoint or contemporary avant‑garde, they connect with audiences through genuine emotion and impeccable stage presence.
The ECM Connection
Duo Gazzana’s partnership with the German label ECM Records has yielded a series of critically acclaimed recordings that showcase their expansive repertoire—from the lush Romantic textures of Schumann to the daring, modern impulses of contemporary composers. The latest release cements their status as a leading voice in the classical music landscape, demonstrating that true instinctive expression can be both intellectually rigorous and deeply moving.
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Cover Album: © 2026 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin
