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Henry Wood Hall, London, United Kingdom
Produced by Andrew Keener
Engineered by Tony Faulkner
Release date: July 2002
Total duration: 57 minutes 54 seconds
'Clear the decks for paradise … the Florestans currently have the best all-round perspective on this singularly lovable work. A terrific recording is no hindrance either' (The Times)
'The Florestans make everything sound gloriously inevitable … the attractions of this immaculately balanced recording become well-nigh irresistible' (International Record Review)
'They show such complete control of every aspect of Schubert's masterpiece that they sweep away all rivals' (The Independent)
'Another superb performance then, penetrating, yet full of spirited spontaneity' (Gramophone)
'a performance as wonderfully incisive as its earlier rendition of the trio in B flat major … it represents Schubert performance at the highest level' (classicstoday.com)
'a performance full of intelligent, musicality and an uncomplicated directness that almost belies the accomplishment of the playing' (The Guardian)
'the ensemble has at last released its eagerly awaited performance of the great E flat … the players’ clarity of vision in the long first movement doesn’t prohibit their ability, throughout the subtlest of details of breath, balance and tone of voice, to create a sense of constant search and enquiry' (BBC Music Magazine)
'Tomes is exemplary and the excised portions are pure gold' (The Sunday Express)
'Pianist Tomes is not only blessed with a fluent technique … but also a true chamber musician’s ear … The recorded sound is warm, close, and well balanced' (Fanfare, USA)
'The playing is very fine – urgent and exciting without losing the subtlety of Schubert’s beautiful and breathtaking changes of harmony' (American Record Guide)
'All round, a flawless account' (bbc.co.uk)
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Movement 1: Allegro
[15'38]
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Movement 2: Andante con moto
[8'30]
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The Florestan Trio follow up their hugely successful release of Schubert's B flat trio (CDA67273) with this stunning performance of the E flat trio. In an article in the Guardian recently, pianist Susan Tomes talked of the recording sessions, during which there were many discussions about performing "the most monumental work in our repertoire". The result, according to Ms Tomes, is a portrait of the Florestans painting a portrait of Schubert. Schubert dedicated the work to 'nobody save those who find pleasure in it'. The first movement is strongly rhythmic, the second is infused with an emotive Swedish folksong melody. The tempo of this movement was determined some twenty years ago, when it occurred to Ms Tomes during a winter walk that her footsteps trudging through the snow were exactly the right tempo for the opening chords. The Scherzo incorporates a caressing waltz and a lusty peasant dance. The work's length proved challenging for publishers and so Schubert consented to cut 98 bars from the final movement. The Florestan Trio offer both versions on this disc, providing a rare chance to hear the original, much longer version in all its glory. |