No Boundaries

This piano-playing team of five siblings could be easily dismissed as just another crossover ploy, but that would be a mistake. My initial surprise turned into an hour of pleasant listening and, on rehearings, to admiration for this unique ensemble of talented young artists. For one thing, they've got the chops to bring off some fiendishly difficult works. Listen to the way sisters Desirae and Deondra tackle modernist Witold Lutoslawski's Variations on a Theme of Paganini, or brother Ryan's colorful romp through Ginastera's tricky dance rhythms. The fivesome also achieve carefully balances in their concerted works, with a scrupulously turned version of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and their arrangement of highlights from Stravinsky's Firebird. Those in doubt should hear tracks two through four, for irresistible versions of Lecouna's popular Malaguena, a fetching combination of Dvorak and Copland, and a piano rag by John Novacek. A delightful, spirited disc that never fails to please. --Dan Davis Amazon.com

no boundaries

I love the energy that the 5 Browns produce in their music. An inspiration to listen to. Even in the quiet music, you can hear the emotion coming from their hearts. My only suggestion - I would love to have their names written under their pictures. February 18, 2008

If Music Could Spin the World...

...this CD would have our planet twirling voraciously. The Browns are back, and they're as stunning as ever. The brilliant fivesome (Desirae, Deondra, Gregory, Melody, and Ryan) simply shine in this recording. Their first recording was absoulutely breathtaking, but you could sense a cautious sort of "nervousness." The 5 Browns have overcome all caution, nervous or naught, and whiz confidently through dazzling solos, duets, and, of course, quintets. The highlights of this CD for me personally were 1) The 5 piano Rhapsody in Blue 2) Malaguena, performed by the lovely Brown brothers 3) Last but DEFINATELY not least, the 5 piano interpretation of Stravinsky's Firebird. Oh, I cannot convey to you the power and incandescent beauty of 'The Firebird,' especially on 5 pianos! 'The Firebird' alone makes this CD a winner. Other than that, frankly, I didn't get all excited about the other tracks. The Argentinian Dances are quite masterfully performed by Ryan, and I very much enjoyed Desirae and Deondra's (the inseparable duoists) 'Variations on a Theme of Paganini." This is not to be confused with the immensely popular 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini'(composed by the incomparable Rachmaninoff.) All in all, if you enjoy a twist (but a respectful twist) on the world's greatest music, you will enjoy the power that's contained in this little Dual Discer.
(As a closing note, the video side of the disc is very entertaining, including music videos of Rhap in Blue, Simple Gifts, and The Firebird. Of course they cut the clips a bit, and I won't say it isn't noticeable, but boy is it cool to see the 5 in action!) December 5, 2006

An enjoyable CD

I would have to say that I was absolutely amazed with this CD. I'm usually not the type of person who would listen to classical music, but I thoroughly loved it. I love playing it in the car on the way to class; it gets me relaxed. Buy 'No Boundaries'!! You will not regret it! August 4, 2006

no sophomore slump here

I had always been a little bored by music for 2 or more pianos, but this disc changed my mind -- very exciting!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting The 5 Browns - what a nice bunch. They are all very talented, but the sum is even better than the parts -- what playing & what great enthusiasm. They obviously have fun making music together and they have the chops to make it exciting for the listener. Especially fun are Rhapsody in Blue and the excerpts from the Firebird. The DVD video bits are a nice bonus.

I'm waiting impatiently for their next disc. August 3, 2006

Different and inspiring!

Well, I must say that I enjoyed this second CD better than the first one. There was more variety and I loved the arrangements for 5 pianos! As a teen classical pianist, it is cool to see someone finally making classical music fun and interesting. They have re-inspired me and my love for classical music! June 22, 2006

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