COMPOSERS: Mendelssohn
LABELS: Nimbus
WORKS: Piano Trios in D minor, Op. 49 & in C minor, Op. 66
PERFORMER: Vienna Piano Trio
CATALOGUE NO: NI 5553
The Vienna Trio’s latest Nimbus release combines electrifying readings of Mendelssohn’s two piano trios, for once not presented as piano concertos in microcosm, but as tersely argued and powerfully integrated works. Were not their fearlessly virtuosic playing sufficiently remarkable (the quicksilver Scherzo of Op. 66 is breathtaking), the members of the Vienna Trio’s watchful dynamic shading affords unprecedented clarity and spaciousness. Both slow movements are wonderfully sonorous, while the relentless finale of Op. 66 is emphatically transformed as the Lutheran Chorale melody ‘Vor deinem Thron’ gains triumphant C major ascendancy by the close. These are unrivalled performances, with daring, tonal allure and musical intelligence that sweep the board comprehensively. Michael Jameson
Mendelssohn: Piano Trios in D minor, Op. 49 & in C minor, Op. 66
The Vienna Trio’s latest Nimbus release combines electrifying readings of Mendelssohn’s two piano trios, for once not presented as piano concertos in microcosm, but as tersely argued and powerfully integrated works. Were not their fearlessly virtuosic playing sufficiently remarkable (the quicksilver Scherzo of Op. 66 is breathtaking), the members of the Vienna Trio’s watchful dynamic shading affords unprecedented clarity and spaciousness. Both slow movements are wonderfully sonorous, while the relentless finale of Op.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:29 pm