Mari Kodama, Momo Kodama – Tchaikovsky Ballet Suites for Piano Duo – PTC5186579【DSD 512】

An inextricable bond exists between the piano and ballet, this due to the fact that the ballet dancer’s strenuous daily routine of rehearsing in a mirror-lined hall is not normally accompanied by an orchestra, but by a piano. Seated at the piano is a répétiteur, who, with two virtuoso hands, routinely and tirelessly replaces an entire orchestra, providing the musical fundament for the creative work of the choreographer. The répétiteur’s high level of musical and pianistic mastery has always been crucial, but this was particularly the case in the days when they frequently were required to play directly from an open score, with little or no preparation.