Beethoven: The Complete Music for Piano Trio, Vol. 2

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.

All of the music on this album is also available as part of the specially priced box set Beethoven: The Complete Music for Piano Trio (download only).

CDA67369  60 minutes 7 seconds
TOP RECOMMENDATION (BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE)
‘With beautifully balanced recorded sound, it's a CD for repeated listening’ (Gramophone)
‘The playing of the Florestan Trio is memorable for its lyrical tenderness, its luminous sonorities and its rhythmic buoyancy’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘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 ...