[Cover graphic]

Compact Disc CDA67369

£13.99

The idea that this plainly and indeed humbly presented disc - the Complete Music for Piano Trio, Volume 2 - contains one of the greatest human utterances in any art-form, may come as a surprise. But it is true. The 'Archduke' Trio is one of the glories of exploring the piano trio repertoire and stands for many of us as the crowning triumph of the medium. Dating from Beethoven's richest transition, from the middle period towards his late works, the trio envelops the listener from the start and shows his ability to combine monumentality and intimacy as well as prayer and dance, on a vast scale and with awe-inspiring power. It has its title from the dedication to the Archduke Rudolph, good friend to the composer and dedicatee of many of his greatest pieces, and for once the nickname of a piece has an apt suggestiveness as to the stature of the music.

An important issue in the award-winning survey of piano trio repertoire by our old friends, the Florestan Trio.

Recorded in Henry Wood Hall, London, on 20-22 September 2002
Recording Engineer
SIMON EADON
Recording Producer
ANDREW KEENER
Piano
STEINWAY & SONS
Front Design
TERRY SHANNON
Front Picture Research
RICHARD HOWARD
Booklet Editor
TIM PARRY
Executive Producers
EDWARD PERRY
SIMON PERRY
© Hyperion Records Ltd, London, MMIII

Duration: 60’32
DDD
Front illustration: Coloured engraving (c.1850) by Lazarus Gottlieb Sichling (1812-1863) after the painting, 1823, by Ferdinand Waldmueller (1793-1865)

Contents:

    Piano Trio in B flat major Op 97 (‘Archduke’) [41'29]
  1. Allegro moderato [12'38]
  2. Scherzo: Allegro [10'39]
  3. Andante cantabile ma però con moto [11'17]
  4. Allegretto moderato [6'50]

  5. Allegretto in E flat major Hess 48 [2'52]

    Variations on ‘Ich bin der Schneider Kakadu’ Op 121a [15'56]

  6. Introduzione [4'34]
  7. Tema [0'34]
  8. Variation I [0'37]
  9. Variation II [0'36]
  10. Variation III [0'43]
  11. Variation IV [0'39]
  12. Variation V [0'40]
  13. Variation VI [0'40]
  14. Variation VII [0'50]
  15. Variation VIII [0'39]
  16. Variation IX [1'44]
  17. Variation X [1'50]
  18. Allegretto [1'45]
Sleeve Notes

TOP RECOMMENDATION (BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE)

'The playing of the Florestan Trio is memorable for its lyrical tenderness, its luminous sonorities and its rhythmic buoyancy' (BBC Music Magazine)

'With beautifully balanced recorded sound, it's a CD for repeated listening' (Gramophone)

'The second issue in the Florestan Trio's projected recordings of all Beethoven's music for piano trio is one of this lively and sensitive ensemble's best. The players do justice both to the sweetness and spaciousness and to the quirky humour of the great Archduke Trio, which receives a richly satisfying performance' (The Sunday Times)

See also:
Beethoven: Complete Music for Piano Trio - 1
Beethoven: Complete Music for Piano Trio - 3
Beethoven: Complete Music for Piano Trio - 4
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