To listen to the recording of this recital, please see this page.
“The raison d’etre of the improvisation piano recital is for the performer to respectfully eschew the printed score of even the greatest composer and, rather, listen to and be guided by his own muse. To pit one’s muse against those of the immortals is a tall order and was ably met by pianists Stanley Taub and Howard Richman in their Two-Piano recital of 1999. In an hour-long recital they serve up a kaleidoscope of 18 improvisations. Some, original inspirations of the moment, themes never heard before and probably never since. Others, virtuoso riffs on classics (Chopin, Liszt, Prokofiev). Yet others, outre harmonization on tunes we grew up with (Happy Birthday, Yankee Doodle). And how about a sound portrait posed for by an audience member. Whether they perform two-piano or singly and in turn, they draw beautiful sounds from the piano, and, in the bravura improvs they produce and sustain an almost frightening kinetic energy. I recommend the recording of this recital and would love to see the pianists in recital again.”
—George Summers
“Stanley Taub and Howard Richman are pianists of great skill and miraculous improvisors. Their stylish performance at Steinway Hall in 1999 is of great bravado, wit and imagination.”
—Matthew Graybil
“The performance of Dr. Stanley Taub and Howard Richman at Steinway Hall, 1999 is vibrant, humorous and exuberantly joyful. Departing from structure to create happy sounds as if they had wings. How wonderful to hear the FREEDOM they express!”
—Corinne Samios
