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REVIEWS
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American Record Guide, January 2008 |
Wiesbadener Kurier 28. January 2008 |
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La Voz de Galicia, 25/02/2008 |
Inverness Courier 14.December 2007 |
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Kölnische Rundschau 12. Nov. 2007 |
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger 12. Nov.
2007 |
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International Music Web, Sept. 2007 |
La Patria, Colombia, 23 .Nov. 2007 |
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Daily Telegraph, 8.September 2007 |
Kieler Nachrichten, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, 14. August 2007 |
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Hamburger Abendblatt, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, 14. August 2007 |
Iserlohner Zeitung, 3. August 2007 |
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Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele 31. July 2007 |
Westfälishe Nachrichten, 30. Mai 2007 |
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Rheinische Post 17. Mai 2007 |
Heinsberger Zeitung 17. Mai 2007 |
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Süddeutsche Zeitung 29/01/2007 |
Münchener Merkur 30/01/07 |
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Eastern Daily Press, 8. May 2006 |
Guernsey Press, 6.May 2006 |
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Classical Guitar Magazine, March 2006 |
HR 2, August 2005 |
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Classical Guitar Magazine, December 2005 |
The Absolute Sound, December 2004, Golden Ear Award |
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The Daily Telegraph London, 19.March 2005 |
Classical Guitar, November 2004 |
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The Royal Gazette, Bermuda, June 11, 2005 |
Lindauer Zeitung, 11.October 2004 |
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Gramophone, September 2004 |
Allgäuer Zeitung, 4. August 2004
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Ensemble August /September 2004 |
Classics Today. com, June 2004 |
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The Times, 6. July 2004 |
The Royal Gazette, Bermuda, 31. May 2004 |
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International Records Review. June 2004 |
Wiesbadener Kurier 01. März 2004 |
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BBC RADIO 3. CD REVIEW, 17. April 2004 |
Böhme-Zeitung, 15. November 2003 |
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Istanbul, Andante, February 2004 |
Rheinische Post 8.04 2003 |
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Palm Beach Post, USA, Wednesday, November 26, 2003 |
Wiesbadener Tagblatt 29. Juli 2002 |
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Westdeutsche Zeitung, 7.April 2003 |
Belfast Telegraph, February 15, 2002 |
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Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Gendai Guitar, December 2002 |
New Yorker, 25. June 2002 |
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Gramophone, February 2002 |
Neue Westfälische Zeitung 01.06.2002 |
| IRISH TIMES – 5TH MARCH 2002 |
München Merkur, Germany, 08.03.2001 |
| Frankfurter Rundschau 04.06.2002 |
Classical Guitar Magazine, London, Wigmore Hall, June 2000 |
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The Savannah Morning News, USA, 10. March 2001 |
Copenhagen, Berlingske Tidende 1999 |
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St. Louis Post-Dispatch, USA, May 2, 2001 |
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung / Rheingau Festival / August 1999 |
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Gramophone Magazine, CD Scarlatti - Händel, April 2000 |
The Daily Telegraph London, 11th January 1997 |
| The Times, January 1999 |
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Alte Oper, Mozart Saal 24. October 97 |
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Dresdener Neuste Nachrichten / Dresden Music Festival / May 1999 |
The Times London, 10th January 1997 |
"los guitarristas regalaron al público una espectacular e inspirada propuesta musical, en la que no faltaron referencias
a Manuel de Falla, entre otros grandes clásicos. Un colofón de lujo para una iniciativa que se cierra con buen sabor de boca.
"
La Voz de Galicia, 25/02/2008
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"Ihr Spiel wirkte in den leisen Momenten hoch einfühlsam, ansonsten aber auch treffend energiegeladen. "
Wiesbadener Kurier 28. January 2008
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"very talented twins…The Katonas play marvelously, with a glorious sound and irrespressible rhythm.
They include tasteful, well-executed ornamentation on repeats, and the Carducci Quartet is perfectly
balanced with them."
American Record Guide, January 2008
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"They demonstrated the clean fingering and precise articulation that would be a hallmark for the entire
programme. Astor Piazzolla's Tango Suite provided a testing finale and was dispatched in completely convincing fashion. Their encore. De Falla's Ritual Fire Dance,
provided a further burst of pyrotechnics to round out the concert."
Inverness Courier 14.December 2007
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„Die Zwilling Peter und Zoltan Katona zauberten auf ihren
Gitarren.
Mit unverrückbarer Sicherheit in der Abstimmung gelangen auch schwerigste Stellen wie aus einer Hand vorgetragen. Vermutlich hätten sie eine Melodie Ton für Ton abwechselnd
spielen können und es hätte wie aus einem Guss geklungen...Das Gitarrenduo ersetzte mühelos ein Orchester, und die Dichte von Harmonie Melodie stand einem farbigen
Orchesterklang kaum nach... Paco de Lucias „Cepa Andalusa“ entwickelten die Katona Twins zu einem wahren Feuerwerk. In Abwechslung und Einklang, Kontrast und
Gleichschritt
zauberte das Duo eine rhythmisch wie harmonisch-melodisch gleichermassen packende Musik.
Mit dem Zuschnitt des Programms als auch mit ihrer Spielkultur und freude bewiesen Peter und Zoltan Katona, dass sie auf der ständigen Suche nach den Entwicklungen ihrer
Gattung sind, ohne die Wurzeln aus dem Auge zu verlieren.“
Kölnische Rundschau 12.11.2007
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„Unübertreffliches Zusammenspiel
Im Salon des Landhauses boten die Brüder ein Programm, das abwechlungsreich und unterhaltsam war ohne je
ins Populistische abzugleiten. Vielmehr standen hochkarätige Werke von der Barockzeit bis heute auf dem Zettel..Mit einer Unübertrefflichen Genauigkeit des Zusammenspiels, die
vielleicht nur Zwillingsbrüder erreichen können, wurden die schwierigen Werke insgesamt zum Leben erweckt. „
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger 12.Nov.2007
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The
brothers play these (virtuoso passages) brilliantly and are exceptionally well balanced. In all the pieces there is a sense of continuity between the two guitarists as if we
were listening to a single player. …these performances are by no means understated. The string playing is gutsy and well matched by the guitarists. The Katona twins provide a well structured programme with some fine
guitar playing.
International Music Web, Sept. 2007
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“Magnifico..versatilidad en la tecnica…Excelente…
Dos personas casi idénticas tocando la guitarra de igual manera que generan la illusion de ser una sola tocando frente a un espejo. Los mismos movientos, los mismos gestos, la
misma figura y la misma interpretacion. Los Mellizos Katona deslumbraron anoche a los asistentes a otro de los conciertos de la II Semana de la Guitarra.”
La Patria, Colombia, 23 .10.2007
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“The brilliant Katona Twins … formidable virtuoso technique,
their performances, could hardly be bettered for charm, zest, wit and colouristic flair.”
Daily Telegraph, 8.September
2007
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„Zwölf Saiten, vier Hände, zwei Gitarren und tobender Applaus: Die Katona-Zwillinge Péter und Zoltán Katona aus Budapest faszinierten
das Publikum des zweiten Konzerts zum Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival. Schwungvoll der Einstieg mit der Ouvertüre zur Oper "Die diebische Elster" von Gioachino Rossini, in
der das Duo eine sehr persönliche Interpretation vorlegte.....Diese ureigene Persönlichkeit in ihrem Spiel machte die Spannung und die Faszination des Konzerts aus. Immer
blieben die Brüder in großer Harmonie und Einigkeit ganz bei sich und beieinander. „
Hamburger Abendblatt, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, 14. August 2007
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Kurzweil
und
Freudentaumel
Das war toll, beeindruckend, fantastish: spontan geäuβerte Ausrufe einiger
begeisterter Konzertbesucher in der vollbesetzten St. Marienkirche. Und es hinterlieβ in einer Blumenlese schöner und mitreiβender Werke wirklich einen kollossalen Eindruck:
das Katona Twins Gitarrenduo mit Peter und Zoltan Katona.
Die flinken Finger der beiben hochmusikalischen, beseelt musizierenden
und besten aufeinander eingespielten Künstler sorgten für Kurzweil
und Freudentaumel. Als dann als Zugabe Astor Piazzollas „Herbst in Buenos Aires“ erklang, bebte die Kirche: Das Katona Twins Gitarrenduo – ein wahrer Geheimtipp.
Kieler Nachrichten, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, 14. August 2007
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„Magische Hände
Ohne zu sehen, wer da spielt, meint man streckenweise, es müssten wenigstens vier Gitarristen am Werk sein, dabei sind es doch nur zwei: die Katona Twins... fein nuancierte
Stimmung...Keine Frage: Wie eineiige Zwillinge erscheinen auch die Instrumente. In Piazzollas „Tango Suite“ finden die Katona Twins die gesuchte Herausforderung
Gitarristen Ihrer Grösse, entlocken Ihren, nur zwei Instrumenten hier die Lyrischsten aller Töne, verschränken einander, trennen sich wieder und versprüchen stürmische
Trommelwirbel.“
Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele, Bietigheimer Zeitung 31. July 2007
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Ihre
gitarristischen Fähigkeiten und ihre Musikalität sind einfach Wahnsinn und zeichnen jeden für sich als einen Weltklasse-Virtuosen aus. Was ihren Auftritt aber in eine ganz
eigene Sphäre erhebt, ist ihre einmalige Gabe, zusammen zu musizieren. Ihr Verständnis geht so weit, dass sie mitten im wildesten bachschen Kompositions-Gewirr vollkommen
synchron Phrasen verzögern und wieder beschleunigen, als säße dort nur ein Interpret. Sie zeigten mit einer Mischung aus Bach und spanischen Meistern den stilistischen Reichtum
ihrer Interpretations-Kunst, loteten zwischen den lieblichen Sätzen der Französischen Suite Nr. 5 von Bach und den temperametvollen Tänzen bei de Falla alle dynamischen Nuancen
im perfekten Gleichschritt aus und ernteten verdientermaßen lautstarke Jubelstürme und stehende Ovationen.
Iserlohner Zeitung, 3. August 2007
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„Gitarrenduo „Katona Twins“ konzertierte mit mythischer Kraft und ausdrucksvollem Gleichklang.
Das Gitarrenduo teilt nicht nur das genetische Material, sondern auch eine hoche musikalische
Virtuosität...Katonatwins bezauberten mit Werken von Bach bis Piazzolla. Schon mit der Ouvertüre zur „Die diebische Elster“ von Rossini überzeugte das Gitarrenduo das Publikum.
Dass Gitarren und Spanien zusammengehören ist bekannt. Dass aber zwei rassige Saiteninstrumente auch die Farbigkeit eines ganzen Orchesters in einen Saal zaubern können ist
wohl nur einem Duo wie den „Katona Twins“ möglich...Dabei überzeugten Peter und Zoltan Katona mit präzisem Zusammenspiel, rhythmischer Kraft und ausdrucksvollem Gleichklang: Im
gemeinsammen Schwingen, Atmen, in Dynamik und Feinabstimmung waren sie eins.Bei all dem präsentierten die Brüder ihr Spiel mit einer Selbstverständigkeit und Natürlichkeit.“
Westfälishe Nachrichten, 30. Mai 2007
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“Furioser Auftakt des Festivals. Die Ungarische
Zwillinge Peter und Zoltan Katona brillierten beim Eröffnungskonzert in der Heinsberger Stadthalle... Gebannt lauschte das
Publikumden beiden Ungarischen Gitarrenvirtuosen...Das Begeisterte Publikum forderte vier Zugaben, ehe es die beiden nach mehr als zwei Stunden wieder von der Bühne liess.“
Rheinische Post 17. Mai 2007
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„Katona Brüdrer
euphorish gefeiert.
Mit vier Zugaben des ungarischen Gitarrenduos Peter und Zoltan Katona und einem restlos begeisterten Publikum endete das Eröffnungskonzert zum Auftakt des 2. Internationalen
Gitarrenfestivals in der Begegnungstätte, das in jeder Hinsicht selbst hoch gesteckte Erwartungen übertraf. Bereits im erstern Teil des Programms faszinierten sie mit ihrem
Können das Publikum und unterstrichen sie Ihren Ruf, eines der weltbesten Gitarrenduos zu sein...“
Heinsberger Zeitung, 17. Mai 2007
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” von hoher technischer Versiertheit geprägtes Zusammenspiel.... ..sehr überzeugend in ihrer dynamischen
Differenzierung und geradezu symbiotischen Prägnanz....die Gitarren steuerten zusätzlich zahlreice Effekte bei, die jedoch nie aufgesetzt wirkten…”
Süddeutsche Zeitung 29/01/2007
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“…eine musikalische Leistung auf höchstem Niveau…..farbig und mit filigranem Zartgefühl verzauberten die Gitarristen…...Begnadete
Musiker tragen das konmplette Konzert”
Münchener Merkur 30/01/07
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Twins turn kindred spirit into harmonious telepathy
Peter and Zoltan Katona make you think you are seeing double — and their sound plays the same trick on the ear, for
here is a guitar duo playing absolutely as one.
The empathy of siblings can work well in music, but twins may turn kindred spirit into telepathy. As they rolled (and almost rocked) through a
classical - and jazzy-folky
- programme heavy on Italian, Spanish and Latin American compositions, I thought how silly to say such a pair play the guitar. They pluck, strum, stroke, scratch, tap
and slap - proving the versatility of the musical child’s instrument of choice. An encore of Albeniz’s
Majorca was a sweet ending to a thrilling evening.
Eastern Daily Press,
Norwich, 8. May 2006
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Katona twins leave audience spellbound
The history of shared playing, not to mention shared genes, seems to have given them instant communication with each
other.
Their style of playing is clear, economical and uncluttered, producing a vocabulary of sounds, including percussive, silky, bell-like, scrapes along the wire-bound strings and
scrubbing across the bridge, that hugely increases one’s expectations of the guitar.
The history of shared playing, not to mention shared genes, seems to have given tem instant communication with each other.
The effect on the audience was spell-binding and they were fascinated throughout the programme…
Guernsey Press, 6.May 2006
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The Hungarian duo of Peter and Zoltan Katona filled the Wigmore Hall, selling out even the standing room tickets, and the audience were
certainly not disappointed as they poured their complete minds and spirits into the performance. They opened with two arrange-ments of pieces by Albeniz: Mallorca and Aragon
from Suite Espanola. I particularly enjoyed the vibrato used in
Mallorca and the playfulness between them, taking advantage of the division of voices from its original solo piano version. The French Suite No.5 in G, BWV 816 by JS
Bach was played with beautifully clear voicing, even in the fast passages of the Courante and Bouree. Their dynamics were smoothly shaped and the melodic lines were very
lyrical with tasteful-ly executed ornaments.
The Katona Twins gave a highly energetic performance Falla's Three Dances from The Three-Cornerned Hat. In the
Miller's Dance the excitement was height-ened by their incredibly tight ensemble, even in the strummed passages. They played the melodic line Neighbour's Dance with a great
longevity, which seemed to trans-port you into an open landscape. And finally in the Dance of the Miller's Wife their interpretation took on a wild spirit, which was full of
character and provided an appropriately dramatic ending to a very fine concert.
Classical Guitar Magazine, March 2006
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Needless to say, the presence of the Katona Twins ensured a dynamic and virtuosic
account of the solo parts, this Hungarian-born pairs world class credentials being long established. They are back on full strength now and increasing their loyal fan base with
every performance, as was proved by the crowds of admirers who attended the CD signing tonight… The Katonas were in full command, the spectacular scale figures in the
Girardilla,
Fandango and Zapateado providing the wow moment amid what is essentially a lyrical and meditative agenda. The Concierto Madrigal is a truly exquisite creation
that has found two of its most distinguished ambassadors in Peter and Zoltan Katona.
Classical Guitar Magazine, December 2005
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CD der Woche
Lebendig und intensiv.....von herausragender Qualität.....
HR 2, August 2005
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"the classical world's best known guitar duo"
The Daily Telegraph 19 March 2005
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“Making music live and breathe
From the moment Zoltán and Peter Katona walked on stage it was clear that interaction between them is an important part of the musical experience of watching and hearing the
twins perform.
They make the music live and breathe by dividing it into emotional and thematic blocs which they often punctuate by an exchange of glances. Their arrangement of the music
reinforces this interaction. The effect is unique.”
The Royal Gazette, Bermuda, June 11, 2005
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Golden Ear Award
Peter and Zoltan Katona, in addition to genetic material, share a fabulous guitar technique and highly refined musical instincts, applied here to a
disc devoted to the Argentinean composer and tango master Astor Piazzolla. The readings are dramatically taut, alternately delicate and assertive, with exceptionally clean
passage work and crystalline harmonics. There are stretches of exquisite beauty, as with the haunting "Milonga" movement of Homenaje Lieja. The ten-minute title
track (Le Grand Tango), though played by the brothers alone, is practically symphonic in scope. This is a beautifully made guitar recording, with loads of detail and
startling dynamics, close-up but without much sound of fingers sliding on strings. Picked notes and strummed chords are characterized with extraordinary verisimilitude; so are
percussive knocks an the body of the instrument and scrapes on the strings. Every aspect of the Katonas astounding virtuosity is here to savour.
The Absolute Sound, December 2004
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„The Twins recital erupted with as dynamic an opening as anyone could wish for. The pair transfixed the audience with a glorious demonstration of
the guitar’s art. Rarely have I heard such dynamism coupled with incisive musical articulation; an overture to whet the most sated of appetites. …This was Bach played on the
guitar in monumental fashion. …The fabulous textures and variety of tones created by the Twins soon became a seductive, melodic unity. The Katona Twins, Peter and Zoltan
Katona are two musicians moving at full tilt and their recordings and performances are essential listening for followers of the contemporary classical guitar scene.”
Classical Guitar Magazine, November 2004
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“A beautifully played disc of very different arrangements of Piazzolla’s music.
...in the hands of Peter and Zoltán Katona it proves a vibrant triptych, the vigorous outer movements encasing a warm-hearted Andante. …The
redistribution of the bandoneon to a second guitar part works very neatly and the reduction of the accompaniment to a string quintet gives the music — dynamic and lyrical as in
the Tango Suite — a chamber music intimacy.
The same is true of the other pieces…..cleaner lines, slightly more pace, more refined in tonal palette yet still possessing the original’s combination of elegance and
earthiness. A rare achievement.”
Gramophone, September 2004
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“... the beauty of the glassy second movement and the brittle clarity of the final chase......
leaves you wanting more: the brilliant Katona twins are clearly capable of it.”
The Times, 6. July 2004
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„Wer hätte es vor ein paar Jahren gedacht, dass es eines Tages ein Gitarrenduo geben würde, das mit der Musik Astor Piazzollas den Assad Brothers auf
deren ureigenstem Terrain Konkurrenz machen würde?
Auf dieser brillianten Piazzolla CD bringen sie neben der Tango Suite einige erstklassige eigene Arrangements zu Gehör, wobei sie eine eigene interpretatorische Linie
verfolgen und somit einen interessanten Kontrapunkt zu den Aufnahmen anderer Duos setzen.“
Ensemble, August-September 2004
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“Katona Zwillinge sind eins im Zusammenspiel.
Erneut beeindruckten die ungarishe Zwillingsbrüder mit ihrem phänomenalen Gitarrenduospiel. Im gemeinsamen Schwingen, Atmen in der Dynamik und in der Feinabstimmung von
Steigerungen un Beruhigung sind sie eins. In sensiblen Miteinander wechseln sie Haupt und Begleitstimmen in schöner Regelmäßigkeit ab, und bei alledem präsentieren sie Ihr
DuoSpiel mit größter Selbstverständlichkeit und Natürlichkeit.“
Lindauer Zeitung 11.October 2004
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“Das Publikum gepackt
Schon mit der Overtüre zu „Die diebische
Elster" von Rossini packten
Sie ihr Publikum mit einem farbenreichen Geschwindmarsch, sozusagen getrommelt und gepfiffen. Wie edel, klar und präzise ihr Synkronspiel ist, belegte die Gitarrenbearbeitung
der Französischen Suite in G Dur von Bach. Transparent, in jedem Ton artikuliert traten die sich verfolgenden, spiegelnden, vereinenden, zu neuen Varianten aufbrechenden
Stimmen auf, im musikalischen Ausdruck delikat differenziert, so das sowohl das sangliche „dolce“ der reich verzierten Sarabande als auch die spritzige und sprudelnde
Lebhaftigkeit einer Gavotte oder der Gigue voll zur Geltung kamen....Musik.....die von den Brüdern Katona virtuos und mit befeuerter Leidenschaft vorgetragen wurde.“
Allgäuer Zeitung, 4. August 2004
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„This latest Album from the Katona Twins fully sustains the high standards set by their previous three releases
for Channel Classics....whatever the medium the Katonas and colleagues demonstrate a natural feel for the idiom, as witness the deliciously sultry ‘Milonga in Re’ or ‘Le Grand
Tango’, a gripping ten-minute exposé ....The seductively spacious and forceful recording, with guitar ’noises off’ thankfully kept to a minimum, assumes even
more authority and believability when the SACD track is activated. Highly recommended.”
International Records Review. June 2004
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"By contrast, the Katona Twins possess clues and answers galore. Listen to the three-part Tango Suite or to Le Grand
Tango, with their dazzling runs and syncopations. The Katonas constantly shape their effortless virtuosity so that the phrases and accents fall in the right places, conjuring
up the smoke between the notes.
Their resourceful arranging skills don't hurt either. Notice (especially in surround-sound) how the Carducci Quartet and bassist Daniel Storer embrace (but don't smother) the
guitarists with their beefy sonority and slithery decorative gestures in Hommage à Liège and in the nifty little Fugata that opens this disc. You'll swear that a full string
orchestra's in the room. If you're a Piazzolla fan interested in 54 minutes of sonic and musical exhilaration, this disc's a must."
Classics Today. com, June 2004
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“A truly wonderful concert
Virtuosos dazzle at climax of first ever guitar festival.
Saturday evening's concert at St Andrew’s Church was, as perfect as a concert could be. The performers, the Katona Twins, Peter and Zoltan, whose intuition and synchronicity
made one instrument of their two guitars performed with exemplary modesty and self-effacement, letting the music shine through the transparency of their virtuosity. The music
was the thing.They opened with a Vivaldi Trio, with its wonderful Largetto, and straight away filled the church, with their sonorous elegance. ....there loomed to have been no
difficulties whatsoever, so effortless seemed their execution. A delighted audience member commented to me in the intermission: “..after such perfection what more could there
be?” I'm sure he was glad to hear the beautiful excerpts from de Falla's 'El Amor Brujo',
It was a truly wonderful concert.”
The Royal Gazette, Bermuda, 31. May 2004
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“the Hungarian Katona twins, Peter and Zoltan,
and selected friends (here the Carducci Quartet and the bass-player Daniel
Storer), are stunning: full of the flair, drama and passion appropriate to the world of the tango. The rhythmic strength and elasticity is
irresistible, the ensemble-playing thrillingly precise…..
The Katona twins again play with astute insight
into the idiom and totally brilliant fizz: once you've listened to this CD,
you'll really know what it's like to have been tangoed. “
BBC
RADIO 3. CD REVIEW, 17. April 2004
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„Substanz und Essenz in seltener Klarheit
..geschmackvoll dosiert, überaus musikalisch dargeboten....Filigraner
Klangzauber, sensibel austariert...Nein, technische Probleme scheinen die Brüder Katona nicht kennen. Da stört kein technisch bedingtes Glissando und kein Nebengeräusch, da
bieten sie Hörgenuss in Reinkultur. Ein Kammermusikalischer kostbarer und glanzvoller Abend zugleich.“
Wiesbadener Kurier, Germany
01. März 2004
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“...the best performance of the festival. What ever style (Vivaldi to Piazzolla) the Hungarian born
Katona Twins performed all pieces wonderfully....In order to describe the atmosphere of the concert, one should use the most beautiful adjectives in
Turkish. I hope the Katona Twins will visit our country more often in the future.”
Istanbul, Andante, February 2004 |
“Twin guitarists Katona brothers pluck Kravis listeners from seats.
The Katonas showed themselves to be intelligent, thoughtful musicians with plenty of technique and an attractive sense of architecture,
unafraid to play at whisper level when necessary or hammer on the bodies of their guitars to add some percussion to the proceedings…..Falla's music didn't lose any of its fire
or power, partly because it's quality material and partly because the Katona brothers truly connected for this performance, digging deep into a groove that brought some
members of the audience to their feet.”
Palm Beach Post, USA, Wednesday, November 26, 2003
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“Katona Twins begeisterten mit einem außerordentlichen musikalischen Feuerwerk auf Ihren Gitarren. Im Vortrag der beiden exzellenten Virtuosen stimmte jede Nuance bei Verzögerungen oder Beschleunigungen, beim An- und Abschwellen der Lautstärke oder beim Wechsel der
Tongebung. Sie reichte von rauschend klirrenden Arpeggien bis zu zart mit Vibrato hingehauchten Melodien.Dabie
zeigten die beiden Musiker eine atemberaubende Beweglichkeit der Hände, der Finger und dokumentierten höchste vollkommene Virtuosität.“
Böhme-Zeitung, 15. November 2003
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Es war ein hochgenuss…Das spiel geschmeidig mit reichen Klangfarben, beide perfekt aufeinander eingespielt,
dass man manchmal glaubte, ein einziges Instrument zu hören.
Bei aller technischen Brillianz aber nie akademisch klingend, sondern stets mit emotion und Seele.“
Westdeutsche Zeitung, 7.April 2003
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„Mit viel Klangsinn und Grandezza
..Fast überflüssig, darauf hinzuweisen, dass die ungarischen Katonazwillinge das alles mit höchster technischer Kompetenz, ausgeprägtem Klangsinn und musikalischer Gradenzza
hören liessen. ...ansonstern führten Genauigkeit im Rhytmischen und wohlgezielt eingesetzte unterschiedliche Zupfarten zum wohlverdienten Beifall.“
Rheinische Post 8.04 2003
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The Katona Twins demonstrated perfect technique and harmony in a fast tremolo with smooth flowing passages. The Preludes and Fugues by Tedesco were compelling and played
with unique interpretation. Their polyphonic style, when interpreting the three movements of the Trio Sonata in G minor, created an excellent impression with a perfect
balance of tempo and sound. Their style is personal with a unique clarity of feeling. I forecast a bright future for them.
Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Gendai Guitar, December 2002
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Peter und Zoltan Katona arrangiert sich geschickt zwischenden gängigen Schubladen, zieht die eine oder andere davon heraus, bedient sich mit deren
Inhalten und verbindet das Vorgefundene umsichtig und musikalish sicher mit ihrer noch unverbrauchten charmanten Vortragsweise........Ein spannendes Konzert also,
das eine große Spannbreite nicht einfach nur abspulte, sondern epochenübergreifende Gemeinsamkeit im Detail und in der Wirkung verriet.
Wiesbadener Tagblatt 29. Juli 2002
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“Now we have the Hungarian duo of the Katona twins, possessed of the technique most others can only dream of. Their needle-sharp unanimity of thought and attack is
such that listening ‘blind’ one might wonder how one player could possibly have so many digits…..Both (Concierto Madrigal and Tonadilla) have been recorded several times but
never better than here.….these magnificently played versions should keep the Rodrigo aficionados happy enough.This is a stunning disk…”
Gramophone, February 2002
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“Guitar recital was par excellence.
Judged by high standards, this was a wonderful recital in which the twins have formed a partnership that is a superb combination of virtuoso technique, musical understanding
and complete rapport.It is clear that being twins they have an extra understanding which enables them to maintain an ensemble that is impeccable even in fast moving
music. I will simply sum it up by saying that the standard of excellence throughout was a great delight. Do not miss them.”
Belfast Telegraph, February 15, 2002
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Few guitar ensembles can match the special qualities of the Katona Twins Guitar Duo.
….their displays of technique, but above all of musicianship, set standards which rose above the guitar ensemble’s limitations in repertoire. ……the Katona Twins achieved as
almost orchestral diversity of sound. Middle parts, bass and upper parts were distinguished by colour and tone, and this astonishing independence of time was complemented by
natural rhythmic drive.
IRISH TIMES – 5TH MARCH 2002
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" ..young guitar duo, winners of the 1999 Concert Artists Guild Competition, virtuosos who play with an almost eerie unanimity of style and
considerable charm.”
New Yorker, 25. June 2002
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"Two masters of their trade.
With music by Vivaldi and Handel the guitarists Peter and Zoltan Katona took their audience on a beautiful summer walk. They aroused a shivering enthusiasm
with their interpretations of contemporary works from Spain and South America.”
Frankfurter Rundschau 04.06.2002
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“Ear-splitting applause for Peter and Zoltan Katona.
What the twin brothers Peter and Zoltan Katona offered …. to a wide audience, really surpassed any expectations. They offered non-stop
powerful guitar music of the best quality. The Katona Twins are two exceptional guitarists, who uniquely understand how to kiss awake the six slumbering strings of their instruments.”
Neue Westfälische Zeitung 01.06.2002
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The young Hungarian twins put on a varied, technically dazzling show…. displaying flawless co-ordination
in their dynamics and phrasing… making their two instruments breathe with the spirit of one. Anyone who enjoys classical guitar, in short -- and, indeed, anybody usually left
indifferent by the instrument -- should hasten to see the Katonas. They're extraordinary.
The Savannah Morning News, USA, 10. March 2001
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The Katona Twins music making was absolutely breathtaking
...an extremely delicate, rich and sensitive interpretation of all the works in program. These young charming musicians moved the audience to an extreme….they played and felt
the music in perfect unity. This harmony fascinated the audience.
München Merkur, Germany, 08.03.2001
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"a memorable concert by an outstanding pair of young artists... beautifully matched in every respect,
playing intelligently and with feeling....the duo played with accuracy and spirit. With their consistently high level of playing and cooperation, the Katonas are a pair to
watch."
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,USA, May 2, 2001
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"Not since the advent of the Assad brothers have I been so impressed by a guitar duo. These Hungarian twin brothers have
everything one might wish for.
Forget about guitars, just buy this disc for the musical delight it offers - and waste no time in doing so!"
Gramophone Magazine, CD Scarlatti - Händel, April 2000
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[The twins] have presence onstage that is both confident and reassuring….The music pulses through them with no
affectations, just pure energy and feeling. The Katona’s artistry and technical power transcends the guitar’s traditional limitations and they produce magnificent
music.…utterly absorbing and imbued with an entirely fresh conviction that could only be pure Katona…Finally the Piazzola Double Concerto…..with these two magnificent
guitarists, the concerto heaved its lungs on great gasping waves of harmony. The Katonas deserve every accolade bestowed upon them…their music is spreading its wings and
reaching out…they bring to it a joyous sound that you really must hear.
Classical Guitar Magazine, London, Wigmore Hall, June 2000
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The Katona Brothers play so precisely and well together that in this discipline, their music takes on a supernatural quality.Two souls and bodies understanding each other in
a telepathic way, so that the music can bubble and roar, suddenly exploding and then evaporating into the ephemeral: full of mystique, mischief and vivacity.
Copenhagen, Berlingske Tidende 1999
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"The Katona Twins share not only a staggering virtuoso technique but rather eerie powers of ensemble. Identical not only in good looks, but in
their playing style and charming stage manner, Peter and Zoltan know how to make a good show."
The Times / Bridgewater Hall, Manchester / January 1999
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"Peter and Zoltan Katona’s music-making was breathtaking. Their performance breathes with an incredible ease, even in the most virtuosic
passages…. The ensemble is perfect – both in the dynamics and phrasing, making the sound of the two instruments merge into one."
Dresdener Neuste Nachrichten / Dresden Music Festival / May 1999
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"The coordination and the agreement in structure and dynamic was from the beginning as if it were the most natural thing in the world… The Tango
by Piazzolla became, with its quick changes of profound melancholy and perfect dance spirit, the highlight of the evening."
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung / Rheingau Festival / August 1999
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"Stars of the evening, these identical Hungarian twins kept the audience rapt throughout Piazzolla's lightweight Tango Suite and Judith
Bingham's Santa Casa. Here, as in every piece, the delicate Perfection of the Katonas'playing electrified the music. The full extent of their art was on display in Leo
Brouwer's wonderful Per Suonare a Due. The work moves from a tangled atonal skein to a hilarious dialogue between the two guitars. The intense ensemble between the Katonas is
irresistible,"
The Times London, 10th January 1997
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" The Katona twins had great fun with Leo Brouwer's Per Sounare a Due, goading each other with attempts at interruption
during it's Scherzo di Bravura. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given their relational closeness, they exhibited a flawless symbiosis of ensemble and interpretative intent."
The Daily Telegraph. London, 11th January 1997
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The Twins Peter and Zoltan Katona showed the vivid versatility of their instrumentsplaying in flawless harmony yet maintaining perfect tone
throughout - rhythmically precise, brilliant and nevertheless intimate - giving every movement its own character.
Four Sonatas by Scarlatti resounded with lively lilting elegance. They played Rodrigo's Tonadilla with colourful form especially in Minuetto
Pomposo displaying breathtakingly crisp scales and pounded chords handled with beautiful delicacy. One was enthralled throughout by the perpetual warmth of the refined play,
the smoothness of the pianos and the sensitivity of the overall sound. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Alte Oper, Mozart Saal 24. October 97
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