These two fine pianists have been playing together under the name Zofo…They display tight ensemble and are of one mind in matters of tempo and expression, as duo-piano teams need to be…Their program contains some interesting music.

The best parts of this program are the pieces originally intended for the medium. Debussy’s languorous Épigraphs Antiques are ideal for this duo, which responds winningly to the subtle colors and delicacy of the writing. I would go so far as to say this is the finest recording I know of this sensual work. The real find, however, is the four-hand sonata by Harold Shapero…This three-movement, 16-minute sonata shows the influence of Stravinsky overall, unsurprisingly, in its sharp edged textures and rhythms, yet there is also a lyrical impulse that I can only describe as American. Like the best of the American neoclassicists, Shapero took a pared-back, unemotional European style and brought warmth to it. Zofo responds to both the hard edge and the underlying lyricism, and once again the tempos seem absolutely right.

The sound quality is excellent, spacious and clear. Recommended… © 2012 Fanfare

Highly varying works for four hands piano. Stravinsky’s ” Rite of Spring” popular. Debussy’s and Shapero’s pieces are lovely. © 2012 WRUV Reviews Read complete review

Four-hands-one-piano performances are dime a dozen, but not the ZOFO way. They are among the handful…of full-time professional duos, and in this CD, their unusual combination of bravura and depth is obvious from the get-go.

The pianists have their distinct voices, but the combination is an integrated whole, similar to a great orchestra’s fusion of individual instruments.

ZOFO’s interpretation of the complex, shimmering harmonies of Debussy’s Epigraphes antiques is simply gorgeous, especially in “Pour que la Nuit Soit Propice”…and “Pour Remercier la Pluie au Matin”…

The biggie is Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, showing off the two players’ virtuosity…as the work progresses to the pulsing, throbbing sounds of “The Sacrifice,” Zimmermann and Nakagoshi do full justice to this orgiastic masterpiece. © 2012 San Francisco Classical Voice Read complete review