Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Mada & Hugh

The Mada & Hugh Piano Duo, a renowned musical pair known for their virtuosic piano performances, recently gave fans a peek into their Halloween festivities. The duo shared a video tour of their beautifully decorated home, which was transformed into a spooky wonderland for the occasion.
As part of the tour, Mada and Hugh revealed their elaborate home Halloween decorations, which included everything from flaming pumpkin heads and cobwebs to skeletons and and a glowing crystal ball on top of a skull. Mada should really start a second career as an interior designer! Her attention to detail and creativity were evident in every corner of their home, making for a truly immersive and festive experience.
But the highlight of the video was the duo's performance of a brand-new arrangement of "Hedwig's Theme" from the Harry Potter series by John Williams. Mada and Hugh's arrangement for piano four hands was nothing short of virtuosic, showcasing their exceptional musical skills and creativity. Their performance captured the magical and mysterious essence of the iconic theme, bringing it to life in a way that was both impressive and delightful.
Mada and Hugh's Halloween video was a treat for fans and music lovers alike, showcasing not only their love for the holiday but also their incredible talent and passion for music. We can't wait to see what other surprises the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo has in store for us in the future!

In the vast universe of classical music, there's a unique kind of magic that emerges when two pianists collaborate, bringing to life the harmonious blend of four hands and two souls. One such collaboration that has caught the attention of the global music community is the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo. This dynamic duo has not only been creating ripples with their enchanting performances but has also been sharing their musical journey through a podcast series.
The second episode of their second season is a particularly special treat for piano enthusiasts. Mada and Hugh offer listeners an insider's look into the illustrious Petrof Piano Factory. Petrof, a name synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and timeless sound quality, has been crafting pianos since 1864. For a pianist, visiting the Petrof factory is akin to Charlie entering Willy Wonka's chocolate factory - it's a world filled with wonder, heritage, and musical lore.
Right at the start of the episode, the duo paints a vivid picture of their trip to the factory. Their descriptions are so detailed and filled with genuine awe that listeners might feel as if they're walking the factory floor themselves, surrounded by the rich history and the hum of artisanal craftsmanship. But Mada & Hugh don’t stop at mere descriptions. They take it a step further by creating videos about the pianos they encounter, which provide a visually rich complement to their podcast.
Then comes the musical treat.
Hugh, with his profound ability to evoke emotions, chose to play "Hulan" by Smetana on a Petrof P. 131 upright piano. The choice of this piece, combined with the distinct sound of the Petrof P. 131, allowed listeners to truly appreciate the depth and tonal beauty of Petrof pianos. "Hulan" is a piece with intricate layers and Hugh's rendition on the Petrof brought out its nuances in a way that is both soul-stirring and memorable.
On the other hand, Madalina took to the keys of a Petrof P. 173 Breeze grand piano to play the "Pavanne" from Enescu's suite op. 10. Madalina’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. The grandeur of the Petrof P. 173 Breeze, combined with the haunting beauty of Enescu's "Pavanne," created an auditory experience that lingered long after the last note faded.
The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between a musician and their instrument. Mada & Hugh, through their visit to the Petrof factory and their subsequent performances, showcased how the right instrument can amplify the beauty of a musical piece and how a talented musician can bring out the best in an instrument.
For those who have yet to listen to the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo podcast, this episode is an excellent starting point. It's a seamless blend of storytelling, musical history, and breathtaking performances. Whether you're a seasoned pianist, a budding musician, or simply someone who appreciates good music and a compelling story, this episode promises to be an auditory delight.
In conclusion, Mada & Hugh continue to prove that their musical journey is one worth following. As they unravel more chapters of their story, listeners around the world eagerly await their next stop.

There's a certain magic that unfurls when two pianists share a musical space. This magic is evident in the harmonious interplay between Mada & Hugh, a celebrated piano duo that has captivated audiences and listeners with their virtuosic performances and insightful commentaries. As the curtains rise on the second season of their weekly podcast series, music enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to. In the burgeoning world of classical music podcasts, Mada & Hugh have carved a niche with their unique focus on piano duo music. Their series is not just about performances; it offers deep dives into the stories behind the compositions, the histories of the instruments, and the personal experiences of the two pianists.
A Visit to the Heart of Piano Craftsmanship
The duo kicks off their second season with an intimate recounting of their visit to the esteemed Petrof Piano Factory in the Czech Republic. For many, the name 'Petrof' is synonymous with precision, tradition, and unparalleled craftsmanship in piano making. Mada & Hugh's narrative paints a vivid picture, allowing listeners to virtually walk the corridors of the factory, smell the wood, and feel the palpable passion of the craftsmen who breathe life into these instruments.
Mozart and Moszkowski on Petrof Next Upright Pianos
But what's a visit to a piano factory without some performance? Using two Petrof Next upright pianos, Mada & Hugh present an enthralling rendition of Mozart's Sonata in D major K. 381. The sonata, composed when Mozart was merely a teenager, has all the vivacity, sprightliness, and sophistication you'd expect from the genius composer. Mada & Hugh's interpretation, bolstered by the sonorous tones of the Petrof pianos, gives a fresh take on this well-loved piece, making it resonate with both classical aficionados and new listeners. The episode also features a scintillating performance of Moritz Moszkowski's "Habanera" from his set of Spanish Dances, Op. 12. Moszkowski, often hailed as the "German Chopin," has an oeuvre that's replete with lyrical beauty and fiery rhythms. The "Habanera", with its seductive, swaying rhythms, finds an apt vessel in Mada & Hugh's hands, and the Petrof upright pianos further enhance the sultry undertones of the piece.
Looking Ahead
With such a promising start to their second season, listeners are bound to be on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting for subsequent episodes. The Mada & Hugh Piano Duo, with their combination of engaging narratives and sublime performances, are not just preserving the rich legacy of piano duo music but are also ensuring its propagation to newer generations. For those yearning for an immersive musical experience that educates, entertains, and evokes profound emotions, tuning in to Mada & Hugh's podcast is an absolute must. Their journey into the realm of piano duo music is one that promises discovery, delight, and sheer musical decadence.
https://madahugh.com/podcast

In our duo concerts, we love to include solo piano works whenever possible. For our recent recital at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Clifton Heights, we had the opportunity to share works by Chinese composer Chen Xun Pei - “Autumn Moon Over Peaceful Lake” - and by Romanian composer Paul Constantinescu, "Dobrudjan Dance".
"Autumn Moon Over Peaceful Lake" is a beautiful and contemplative solo piano piece composed by Chen Xun Pei, a Chinese composer and pianist, who was born in Beijing in 1939. He began studying piano at a young age and later attended the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. In 1961, he became a professor at the Conservatory and later served as the Chair of the Composition Department. He has composed a wide range of works, including orchestral, chamber, and vocal music, as well as works for piano and other solo instruments. The music is inspired by the tranquil beauty of nature, specifically the image of the moon shining over a peaceful lake in autumn. The piece is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody, delicate harmonies, and graceful rhythms, which create a serene and meditative atmosphere. It also incorporates elements of traditional Chinese music, such as pentatonic scales and ornamentation, which add a unique flavor to the composition. Overall, "Autumn Moon Over Peaceful Lake" is a captivating musical expression of the serene beauty of nature.
"Dobrudjan Dance" is a lively and energetic composition for solo piano by the Romanian composer, conductor, and musicologist Paul Constantinescu. He was born in Ploiești in 1909. He is known for his distinctive style of blending Romanian folk music with classical forms and techniques. He studied composition with some of the most prominent Romanian composers of the time, including Mihail Jora and Dimitrie Cuclin, and later taught at the Bucharest Conservatory. "Dobrudjan Dance" is based on traditional dance rhythms from Dobrudja, a historical region in eastern Romania known for its vibrant and colorful folk music. The music features fast and complex rhythms, virtuosic runs, and playful melodies that evoke the joy and vitality of traditional Romanian dance music. Constantinescu was known for his ability to blend elements of Romanian folk music with Western classical music, and "Dobrudjan Dance" is a prime example of this style. The piece is a popular choice for pianists and audiences alike, and its infectious rhythms and joyful spirit make it a crowd-pleaser.
To view the full recital, become a member of our Patreon page, where you'll get early access to all of our podcast episodes, as well as special material not available to the general public. https://www.patreon.com/madahughpianoduo

On April 26, 7:30 pm, Madalina will be performing the entire set of Makrokosmos, Book 1 by George Crumb at Rock Hall, Temple University. In this episode, Madalina demonstrates 6 of the 12 pieces from the set, performed as part of her New York City debut at the Romanian Cultural Institute earlier this month.
Makrokosmos Book 1 is a composition by American composer George Crumb, originally written for piano in 1972. The piece is divided into three sections, each consisting of four pieces, and is inspired by astrology and the zodiac. The first section, "Primeval Sounds," explores the percussive and rhythmic potential of the piano, while the second section, "Proteus," features extended techniques such as plucking and strumming the strings inside the piano. The third section, "Music of Shadows," creates an eerie atmosphere with its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. The piece showcases Crumb's unique approach to sound and his ability to create otherworldly soundscapes.
The 6 selections Madalina performs are as follows:
"Pisces- Proteus" from George Crumb's Makrokosmos Book 1 features various extended techniques, including strumming, plucking, and muting the strings inside the piano to create a mystical and haunting atmosphere.
"Taurus- Pastorale (from the Kingdom of Atlantis, ca.10000 B.C.)" is a piece that evokes a sense of ancient pastoral beauty through its use of modal melodies and delicate, shimmering textures.
"Capricorn- Crucifixus" features dissonant harmonies and a striking use of silence to create a sense of tension and unease, and calls for the pianist to scream "Christus" into the piano. The music is written in the shape of a cross, depicting the crucifixion of Christ. 
"Leo- The Magic Circle of Infinity (moto perpetuo)" is a frenzied and virtuosic piece that uses repeated patterns and perpetually shifting rhythms to create a sense of cosmic energy and boundless motion. Once again employing his unique visual representation of notation, Crumb scores this piece in the shape of a circle that is meant to be repeated 3 times.
"Aries- Spring-Fire" is a fiery and energetic piece that features explosive rhythms and powerful chords to evoke the raw energy and vitality of spring.
"Gemini- Dream Images (Love-Death Music)" is a haunting and atmospheric piece that uses delicate textures, ethereal harmonies, combining fragments of Crumb's composition and the lyrical middle section of Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu, to create a dreamlike and otherworldly atmosphere depicting the loss of memory, the mingling of past and present.

In this episode, Mada & Hugh perform Mozart's Sonata in D major for Piano 4-hands, K. 381. This sonata is a stunning example of the composer's mastery in creating intricate and expressive music for the keyboard. Composed in 1772, this sonata is one of Mozart's earliest works for piano duos and reflects his love for opera.
In fact, Mozart's operatic influences can be heard throughout this sonata, particularly in the second movement marked "Andante." The delicate and expressive melodies in this movement are reminiscent of the beautiful arias found in Mozart's operas, such as "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Don Giovanni." The pianos engage in a gentle dialogue, trading off the melody and accompaniment, much like the interplay between characters in an opera.
The opening movement, marked "Allegro," features a lively and joyful theme that is passed back and forth between the two pianos. This movement is reminiscent of the overture of an opera, with its energetic and triumphant melody setting the stage for the rest of the piece.
The final movement, marked "Allegro molto," is a playful and exuberant piece that showcases Mozart's love for dance music, which is often featured in his operas. The two pianos engage in intricate runs and arpeggios, creating a sense of joy and excitement that is reminiscent of the lively dances found in Mozart's operas.
Mozart's skill in crafting music for the keyboard is on full display in this sonata, as he uses the two pianos to create a sense of dialogue and interplay. The music is written in such a way that the two instruments complement and enhance each other, creating a seamless and delightful whole that reflects Mozart's operatic influences.
In conclusion, Mozart's Sonata in D major for Piano 4-hands, K. 381 is a masterpiece that reflects Mozart's love for opera and his skill in crafting intricate and expressive music for the keyboard. Its delicate melodies, lively themes, and playful dance rhythms make it a joy to listen to, and its enduring popularity attests to its status as a beloved and timeless piece in the classical repertoire.
https://madahugh.com