Brahms: Piano Trios

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Last year EMI started promoting the Capuçon Brothers in collaboration with Martha Argerich and on their own. Here's a very substantial demonstration of their qualities, along with a young pianist who has been generating considerable interest recently. (Unfortunately, there's nothing about the performers in the booklet.) The set runs about 10 minutes too long for one CD, but it's offered at single-disc price. These performers give us a consistent approach to the Brahms Trios: highly poetic, played with emphasis on beauty of sound and phrasing, yet dramatic and powerful enough to keep the music moving along. Angel's Eroica Trio offers only the first two Trios, played in a style which emphasizes power, drama, and contrast, while never slighting the poetry of the music. It's a difficult choice, Angel more exciting, Virgin more songful and more comprehensive. Both are worth owning, but the Eroica's playing may stick longer in your memory. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Piano Trio In B, Op. 8 - H-dur, en si majeur: Allegro con brio
Piano Trio In B, Op. 8 - H-dur, en si majeur: Scherzo (Allegro molto)
Piano Trio In B, Op. 8 - H-dur, en si majeur: Adagio
Piano Trio In B, Op. 8 - H-dur, en si majeur: Allegro
Frio In E Flat Op. 40 For Piano, Violin And Horn: Andante - Poco pimato
Frio In E Flat Op. 40 For Piano, Violin And Horn: Scherzo (Allegro)
Frio In E Flat Op. 40 For Piano, Violin And Horn: Adagio molto
Frio In E Flat Op. 40 For Piano, Violin And Horn: Finale (Allegro con brio)

Tracks:

Piano Trio in C, Op. 87: Allegro
Piano Trio in C, Op. 87: Andante con moto
Piano Trio in C, Op. 87: Scherzo (Presto)
Piano Trio in C, Op. 87: Finale (Allegro giocoso)
Piano Trio In C Minor, Op. 101: Allegro energico
Piano Trio In C Minor, Op. 101: Presto non assai
Piano Trio In C Minor, Op. 101: Andante grazioso
Piano Trio In C Minor, Op. 101: Allegro molto
Trio In A Minor, Op. 114, For Piano, Clarinet And Cello: Allegro
Trio In A Minor, Op. 114, For Piano, Clarinet And Cello: Adagio
Trio In A Minor, Op. 114, For Piano, Clarinet And Cello: Andante grazioso
Trio In A Minor, Op. 114, For Piano, Clarinet And Cello: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Correction to review concerning the versions of the op. 8 trio.......2006-06-10

Christopher Smith is in error in saying that the Borodin Trio's performance of Brahms's B Major Piano Trio, on Chandos CHAN 8334/5, is the original version. The Borodin Trio recorded only the revised version (unless they made a second recording I'm unaware of). So far as I can tell from the Amazon Web listings and old Penguin Guides, the original version has been recorded by the following groups: Odeon Trio, Trio Opus 8, Altenberg Trio, and Parnassus Trio. The last two groups recorded both versions. Apart from listening, one can tell from the movement designations which version one is dealing with. For instance, the first movement was originally allegro con moto and was revised to allegro con brio, and the third movement was changed from adagio non troppo to adagio. Also, I think you will find that the "great chunks" Brahms removed in his revision are from the first and third movements, not the second (scherzo) movement. Incidentally, I would have preferred not to rate this recording, as my purpose is only to make a correction and the Beaux Arts Trio recording I have is another version with a different violinist, but Amazon's system would not let me do so without including a rating, so I have provided a rating that corresponds to the average of the other ratings.

Excellent buy, whether "budget" or not.......2006-02-02

The three trios on the "B" CD especiall show the emotional depth of Brahms later life chamber music. The Clarinet Trio is well rendered with a supple, yet reserved, but not austere, style.

Excellent, delightful.......2004-11-04

This set is a treat for any Brahms lover. Excellent performance, elegance, depth and profound understanding. True Brahms !!!

Becoming a favorite.......2000-10-17

After listening to the first movement of the C major I'd agree that it's a shade brisk and perfunctory. I've now listened to this performance of the clarinet trio many times. This is a piece that made no impression on me until I listened repeatedly and studied the score. I now realize that, while it's not a perfectly satisfying masterpiece, it has a subdued, elusive beauty, plus it's a remarkably concise piece. I have a theory that it was written in memory of Schumann. Some reasons: 1) the key of A minor was a favorite of Schumann's, 2) the opening melody for cello resembles the opening theme of Schumann's cello concerto (also in A minor), 3) the climax of the coda of the first movement (bars 194-200) has several Schumannesque descending fifths in the melody, 4) the whole piece has a feeling of sad reminiscence such as one can imagine Brahms would feel late in his own life thinking back on his friend, now dead thirty years. The clarinet trio is played very beautifully with no hint of the perfunctory quality mentioned above in connection with the C major trio. This is great music that deserves to be studied and thought about, not just played in the background.

Addendum (10/2002)...I just want to take back what I said about the C major being perfunctory. I've had many hours of enjoyment from all tracks on these discs, particularly the C major and C minor piano trios and the clarinet trio. That business about "perfunctory" was a very superficial initial reaction. These guys play with fire and sweep...crack open a beer and crank it up!

a real disappointment.......2000-07-19

Although I haven't listened to all of it extensively, I found that both the Opus 8, B Major and Opus 87, C Major, were played with jarring tempo changes, unintuitive and displeasing phrasing, and a seeming lack of interest. I am a huge fan (and player) of Brahms and these trios in particular, and it was astonishing to discover that this compilation's recordings were so lacking in feeling and grace.

Brahms: Piano Trios Nos. 1, 2 & 3; Piano Quartets Nos. 1, 2 & 3

Average customer rating:

This is TRUE chamber music
Gorgeous music, great performance
Brilliant Recording, Excellent Deal

Brahms: Piano Trios Nos. 1, 2 & 3; Piano Quartets Nos. 1, 2 & 3

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Op. 49 & Op. 66
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Schumann: Complete Piano Trios

ASIN: B000002A8T
Release Date: 1995-12-05

Tracks:

Trio For Violin, Violincello, And Piano No. 1 In B Major, Op. 8: I. Allegro Con Brio - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello, And Piano No. 1 In B Major, Op. 8: II. Scherzo. Allegro Molto - Trio. Meno Allegro - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello, And Piano No. 1 In B Major, Op. 8: III. Adagio - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello, And Piano No. 1 In B Major, Op. 8: IV. Finale. Allegro - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello, And Piano No. 2 In C Major, Op. 87: I. Allegro - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello, And Piano No. 2 In C Major, Op. 87: II. Adante Con Moto - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello, And Piano No. 2 In C Major, Op. 87: III. Scherzo. Presto - Poco Meno Presto - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello, And Piano No. 2 In C Major, Op. 87: IV. Finale. Allegro Giocoso - J. Brahms

Tracks:

Trio For Violin, Violincello And Piano No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 101: I. Allegro Energico - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello And Piano No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 101: II. Presto Non Assai - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello And Piano No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 101: III. Andante Grazioso - J. Brahms
Trio For Violin, Violincello And Piano No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 101: IV. Allegro Molto - J. Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 2 In A Major, Op. 26: I. Allegro Non Troppo - J. Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 2 In A Major, Op. 26: II. Poco Adagio - J. Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 2 In A Major, Op. 26: III. Scherzo. Poco Allegro - Trio - J. Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 2 In A Major, Op. 26: IV. Finale. Allegro - J. Brahms

Tracks:

Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 25: I. Allegro - Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 25: II. Intermezzo. Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Trio. Animato - Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 25: III. Andante Con Moto - Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 25: IV. Rondo All Zingarese. Presto - Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 60: I. Allegro Non Troppo - Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 60: II. Scherzo. Allegro - Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 60: III. Andante - Brahms
Quartet For Violin, Viola, Violincello And Piano No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 60: IV. Finale. Allegro Comodo - Brahms

Customer Reviews:

This is TRUE chamber music.......2005-10-18

These CD's contain some of the best chamber music ever recorded.
Each member of the ensemble seems to fit in without ever dominating.

If you want to hear how chamber music should be played - get these discs!

Gorgeous music, great performance.......2003-05-13

This is one of my favorite CD's. Excellent musicianship and sound quality are a bonus. The real draw to this cd, however, is the passionate interpretation the music. They really capture the emotion behind Brahms' music. I would recommend this to anyone who likes chamber music.

Brilliant Recording, Excellent Deal.......2000-04-19

This album is by far the most crisply recorded, lusciously played, and reasonably priced of all recordings of Brahms' chamber music. There is a 2-CD version with just the quartets for marginally less, but this is the one to get. There's plenty written about the recent Ma, Stern, Laredo, Ax effort (hard not to, considering that cast), which won Gramophone Magazine's best chamber album of the year. The trios are of equally fine quality (Stern is just as luminous in this much earlier performance), in rich, dark analogue sound, and make a superb offer in and of themselves. When coupled with the quartets for roughly the same price. . .? You really can't go wrong. A must buy.

Average customer rating:

HEARTBREAKING, BREATHTAKING BRAHMS
Difficult Music Handled Exqusitiely

Brahms: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2
Eroica Trio , and Johannes Brahms
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: Brandenburg Concertos / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
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Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B00005V5PS
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8: Allegro con brio
Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8: Scherzo: Allegro molto
Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8: Adagio
Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8: Allegro
Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87: Allegro-animato
Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87: Andante con moto
Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87: Scherzo-Presto
Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87: Finale-Allegro giocoso
Hungarian Dance No. 6 in D major
Wiegenlied, Op. 49

Amazon.com

The Eroica Trio's recording career has been cleverly managed, starting with three albums of relatively lightweight, very well played music before finally arriving at major repertory. Tackling these two Brahms masterpieces, the Eroica proves thoroughly up to the task. They handle Brahms's difficult writing with confidence (especially the tricky syncopations), and they can produce large climaxes to compete with the best ensembles. They also capture the rapt, inward quality of Brahms's slow movements (the third of the First Trio, the second of the Second Trio) in a most moving manner, trusting the listeners' attention to hear the meaning in such subtle music. Even the packaging of this disc is more subdued than on previous Eroica CDs, although the group's characteristic poplike liveliness comes out in the charming encores. In discussing Brahms Trio recordings, one has to mention one of the best buys in the current CD catalog, a three-disc set with all the Brahms Trios and three other romantic masterpieces superbly played by the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio. But for excellent performances of these two trios, the Eroica CD is certainly worth considering. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

HEARTBREAKING, BREATHTAKING BRAHMS.......2003-06-26

Not since Nigel Kennedy's recording of the Brahms Violin Concerto have I been moved to tears by a performance. The Eroica Trio, living up to its name, is truly "heroic" in its fearless, unabashed, resounding romantic fervor, heady emotional sweep, exceptional inspiration, and excruciatingly beautiful Brahmsian vision. The ladies who comprise The Eroica Trio are more than simply extraordinary musicians: they are seekers, searchers, and intuitives. They would have to be. Playing Brahms like this requires the rarest exploratory nature, the willingness to probe at the deepest possible levels, and the courage to commit to your beliefs. No mere coincidence, then, that this present set of Brahms' first two piano trios is, because of the phenomenal artistry of these women, the sound world given them, and the immense epiphany of it all, absolutely quintessential listening, and for me, ranks as the very best versions now available.

[Running time: 64:31]

Difficult Music Handled Exqusitiely.......2002-03-08

I enjoy the variety of moods and subtle synocpations in this music of Brahms.

Enjoying this genre of chamber music greatly, this is a worthy addition. From the soothing flowing piano and violin of the opening tract: Trio No. 1 to the closing familiar "Lullaby," this music adorns one's ears with a pleasing sound.

The Trio No.1 in B Major has a major/minor dichotomy going, while the strings and piano trade spurts of the passage.

Especially wonderful is the opening violin/cello movement of the Trio No. 2 in C Major, which sounds very much like a sonata, building in its intensity to a sensational ending coda.

Tracks:

Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Cello In A Minor, Op. 114: I. Allegro
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Cello In A Minor, Op. 114: II. Adagio
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Cello In A Minor, Op. 114: III. Andantino grazioso - Trio
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Cello In A Minor, Op. 114: IV. Allegro
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major, Op. 11: I. Allegro con brio
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major, Op. 11: II. Adagio
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major, Op. 11: III. Tema : Pria ch'io l'impegno. Allegretto
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Viola (Cello) In E Flat Major, K. 498: I. Andante
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Viola (Cello) In E Flat Major, K. 498: II. Menuetto - Trio
Trio For Piano, Clarinet And Viola (Cello) In E Flat Major, K. 498: III. Rondeaux. Allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

Surprisingly, this seems to be the only coupling of the three most popular Clarinet Trios in the repertoire. The all-star ensemble, all musicians who have frequently performed together, turns out extremely fine performances of all three works. If the Brahms seems like the most thoroughly understood, in its combination of warmth and impulse, the other two works are nearly as fine. Very good sound, resonant and very well balanced, completes a total winner of a disc. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Perfect together.......2007-07-14

I'm not usually one for collections of classical music "greats."

But this Sony Classical CD isn't an instance of the "usual" such affairs. Rather the performances of the 18th Century Mozart and Beethoven and 19th Century Brahms trios were recorded at a concert series at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston from June 27 to June 29, 1993.

I'd love to have listened live. But hearing a CD of these three master musicians--Emmanuel Ax (piano) Richard Stoltzman (clarinet) and Yo Yo Ma (cello)--is a very fine substitute.

I don't understand the supposed few flaws others hear in these performances. All three pieces make wonderful chamber music, and both the works and the musicians are perfect together.

Maybe musicians are usually good critics, but concerning this CD, the plain old-fashioned music listeners call it best. Count me a simple music-listener--and a fan of this CD.

Stoltzman? more like Sucksman.......2007-03-18

I bought this CD on a whim, figuring "with these musicians, it can't be bad!" Well, it can.

The biggest and most readily apparent problem is Stoltzman's clarinet playing. He seems to have become so convinced of his own brilliance as a musician that he's thrown restraint to the wind. He plays so aggressively in some sections and his tone is so shrill that I occasionally cringe to listen to it. Or, I should say, I *used* to cringe, because I sold this CD back to the store today.

As for Ax and Ma, while their playing is decent, they seem to have become infected by Stoltzman's rambunctiousness and at times the whole thing sounds like a three-way ego contest. There are much better recordings of these pieces available.

(Apparently, this recording won the 1996 Grammy for best chamber performance. Just goes to show that the Grammys have a lot more to do with whose name is on the cover than what's actually on the record.)

Camaraderie: Ax/Stoltzman/Ma Finesse the Masters.......2005-08-15

Listening to this buoyant and refreshing recording of the three major trios for clarinet, piano and cello confirms the fact that ensemble playing is best served when the performers of like mind. It is nothing short of a joy to hear Emanuel Ax, Richard Stoltzman, and Yo-Yo Ma sit down to join spirits in chamber music. The results are infectious, in keeping with each composer's work, and played with meticulous detail and warmth.

While most people will find the Brahms trio (opus 114) the most fully realized of the three, on this recording the Beethoven trio #4 (opus 11) is the most illuminating performance of the three. The phrasing is crisp, with one instrument taking up the leading melody and passing it graciously to the other instruments. It is a cohesive work, splendidly played. Our triad of great musicians obviously enjoys every moment of bringing this wonderful work to life. That is not to say that the Mozart trio (K 498) is not superb - it is just that this work is played so often that familiarity results in less attention to the performance.

This recording is highly recommended not only for those multitudes of fans of these three extraordinary musicians (and friends!), but also for lovers of chamber music of all forms. Grady Harp, August 05

Mostly beautiful, with some so so moments.......2004-07-29

I think this CD has some great moments, and a few that could use a little work. My main complaint is that at some times, Stoltzman often sounds overly-excited, both in his phrasing and his tone quality. The final movements of the Beethoven and Brahms both suffer from this occasionally.

I find that Stoltzman excels on the more delicate music, and accordingly the Mozart Trio and slower movements of the Brahms are absolutely beautiful.

Because of the few flaws (plus the fact that some pieces are transcribed from trios originally featuring viola), this CD shouldn't be your standard versions of these pieces, but this CD certainly makes an interesting and fun addition to CD collection.

Disappointing performances by truly great performers.......2003-11-25

It seems to me that these trios were put together with an absolute minimum of rehearsal time. Phrasing is often not quite together, the voices do not consistently pass one to another, and the Brahms in particular seems to be rather disorganized. It's obvious that all three performers have deep understandings of the music, but the conflicts in their interpretations were apparently not addressed or resolved in the pre-session rehearsals. All you have to do is listen to a couple of the transitions points in the Brahms to realize that these performers are solo artists, not ensemble players.

Additionally, these recordings were seriously marred by Stoltzman's performance. While it is true that Muhlfeld, the clarinettist for whom the Brams Trio was written, did use vibrato, it's unlikely that he played with the Glen Miller sound. Stoltzman's awful tone is hugely responsible for my distaste for this recording.

I don't particularly care for the Beethoven or Mozart trios, but they were better executed than the Brahms. The Brahms is a much more sophisticated piece than the other trios, and it deserves a much better treatment than the one afforded here.

Tracks:

Trio No.2 In C Major, Op.87: I. Allegro - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.2 In C Major, Op.87: II. Andante con moto - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.2 In C Major, Op.87: III Scherzo: Presto - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.2 In C Major, Op.87: IV Finale: Allegro - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.4 In E Minor, Op. 90 'Dumky': Movement I In E Minor - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.4 In E Minor, Op. 90 'Dumky': Movement II In C-Sharp Minor - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.4 In E Minor, Op. 90 'Dumky': Movement III In A Major - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.4 In E Minor, Op. 90 'Dumky': Movement IV In D Minor - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.4 In E Minor, Op. 90 'Dumky': Movement V In E-Flat Major - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.4 In E Minor, Op. 90 'Dumky': Movement VI In C Minor - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

Tracks:

Trio No.1 In B Major, Op.8: I. Allegro - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.1 In B Major, Op.8: II. Scherzo: Allegro molto - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.1 In B Major, Op.8: III. Adagio - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.1 In B Major, Op.8: IV. Allegro - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.3 In C Minor, Op.101: I. Allegro energico - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.3 In C Minor, Op.101: II. Presto non assai - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.3 In C Minor, Op.101: III. Andante grazioso - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
Trio No.3 In C Minor, Op.101: IV. Allegro molto - The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

Tracks:

Trio No.1 In D Minor, Op.49: I. Molto allegro ed agitato - Mendelssohn
Trio No.1 In D Minor, Op.49: II. Andante con moto tranquillo - Mendelssohn
Trio No.1 In D Minor, Op.49: III. Scherzo: Leggiero e vivace - Mendelssohn
Trio No.1 In D Minor, Op.49: IV. Finale: Allegro assai appassionato - Mendelssohn
Trio No.2 In C Minor, Op.66: I. Allegro energico e con fuoco - Mendelssohn
Trio No.2 In C Minor, Op.66: II. Andante espressivo - Mendelssohn
Trio No.2 In C Minor, Op.66: III. Scherzo: Molto allegro quasi presto - Mendelssohn
Trio No.2 In C Minor, Op.66: IV. Finale. Allegro appassionato - Mendelssohn

Amazon.com

The K-L-R Trio's brief tenure with Vox produced these recordings of Romantic chamber-music masterpieces. This is an exceptionally virtuosic ensemble, made up of three soloists who have devoted part of every year to performing together for a couple of decades. As a result, their performances are extremely powerful yet very well integrated, certainly a desirable combination in repertoire like this. They even do a very idiomatic job of playing Dvorák, while their Brahms and Mendelssohn are really superb. Not only are these performances far above the normal standard for budget recordings, but they are also fine digital recordings. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

a vote for the Brahms.......2005-10-07

Since every review here talks about the Mendlssohn I'll talk about the Brahms. The versions here are well played and highly enjoyable. The recording quality is good although occasionally distant. My only problem is with the Dvorak trio. This version doesn't thrill me for some reason but this may be a matter of personal taste. The stand-out thing here is Laredo's great sound. This is quite a good bargain too.

Reference recording of the Mendelssohn trio.......2005-04-08

Absolutely nobody has gotten to this level of perfection recording the Mendelssohn trio. The two other trios are superb as well.

Endearing, bought it for the Mendelssohn.......2002-09-21

Don't let the budget price fool you. This is the best example of the Mendelssohn Trios performance that I have, including the Eugene Istomin, Leonard Rose, Isaac Stern trio, which sounds more mechanical to my ears.

Tracks:

I Allegro Con Brio
II Scherzo (Allegro Molto)
III Adagio
IV Allegro
I Allegro
II Andante Con Moto
III Scherzo (Presto)
IV Finale (Allegro Giocoso)

Tracks:

I Allegro Energico
II Presto Non Assai
III Andante Grazioso
IV Allegro Molto

Amazon.com

Last year EMI started promoting the Capuçon Brothers in collaboration with Martha Argerich and on their own. Here's a very substantial demonstration of their qualities, along with a young pianist who has been generating considerable interest recently. (Unfortunately, there's nothing about the performers in the booklet.) The set runs about 10 minutes too long for one CD, but it's offered at single-disc price. These performers give us a consistent approach to the Brahms Trios: highly poetic, played with emphasis on beauty of sound and phrasing, yet dramatic and powerful enough to keep the music moving along. Angel's Eroica Trio offers only the first two Trios, played in a style which emphasizes power, drama, and contrast, while never slighting the poetry of the music. It's a difficult choice, Angel more exciting, Virgin more songful and more comprehensive. Both are worth owning, but the Eroica's playing may stick longer in your memory. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Brahms Piano Trios: Capucons, Angelich.......2006-03-27

I am a cellist, playing both the Op. 8 and Op. 87 regularly. I am familiar with several recordings of this work including the hard-to-find version of Heifetz, Feuermann and Rubenstein and the Stern-Rose-Istomen version. The Capucon brothers with Nicholas Angelich I find far superior to any others because of the highly original playing of the Capucon brothers and the sensitive styling of Angelich.

The Most Beautiful Melodies of Classical Music, Vol. 1-10 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

The Most Beautiful Melodies of Classical Music, Vol. 1-10 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
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Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major 'Spring,' I. Allegro
Overture No. 3 BWV 1068: Air
Water Music: Alla Hornpipe
Orpheus and Eurrdice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Piano Sonata In A Major K. 331: Alla turca
Symphonie No. 3: Allegretto
String Serenade: Waltz
Foreign Countries And People op. 15 No. 1
Flute Concerto No. 1 In G Major, K. 313: Rondo. Tempo di Minuett
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor Op. 21: Larghetto
Quintet In A Major 'Trout': Theme & Variations
Waltz In A Flat Major
Impromptu In G Flat Major D 899,3
Sinfonia concertante In E Flat Major K 364: Presto

Tracks:

Voices Of Spring Waltz Op. 410
Serenade Op. 3 No. 5
Songs Without Words In E Major Op. 19,1
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major K. 447: Allegro
Fausts Verdammnis: Dances Of The Sylphes
Flute Concerto In G minor
Salomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major K 488: Andante
Holberg Suite Op. 40: Prelude
Carmen: Intermezzo
String Serenade op. 22: Tempo di valse
Impromptu In B Flat Major D 935 No. 3
I Love You Op. 5 No. 3
Roses From The South, Waltz Op. 388

Tracks:

Peer Gynt: Morning
The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarole
Melody In F, Op. 3 Nr. 1
The Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers
Standchen
Etude In G Sharp Minor 'La Campanella'
Peer Gynt: Anitras Dance
Moment Musical D 780 No. 3
Canon In D
Overture No. 2: Menuet & Badinerie
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major: Andante
Carmen: Seguedille
'Songs without Words': The Venetian Gondola
Eugen Onegin: Waltz
Romance For Violin And Orchestra In G major Op. 26

Tracks:

Die Fledermaus: Overture
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Waltz No. 1 Op. 18 In E flat major 'Grande Valse brillante'
Lullaby
L'Arlesienne: Intermezzo
The Seasons Op. 37b: Barcarole
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Fairies' March
Clarinet Concerto In A Major K 622: Adagio
The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz
La Traviata: Prelude
Carmen, Suite No. 2: Chanson du Toreador
Happy Farmer
Menuet
On The Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltz Op. 314

Tracks:

A Little Night Music K 525: Allegro
Sonata No. 2 In E Major BWV 1031: Siciliano
Op. 11 No. 5: Menuet
Songs Without Words: Duetto
The Nutcracker: Dance of the Toy Flutes
Fruhlingslied (Spring Song)
Waldszenen: Abschied
Mandolin Concerto: Allegro
Music For The Royal Fireworks: La paix: Largo alla Siciliana
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
Waltz In B Minor Op. 69 No. 2
Romance Op. 5
Impromptu In A Flat Major D 935 Nr. 2
Tales from the Vienna Woods, Waltz Op. 325

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Humoresque Op. 101
Sleeping Beautiful: Panorama
Impromptu In E Flat Major, D899 No. 2
Melancholy
Waltz Op. 54,1
Nocturne In B Major Op. 9 No. 3
Caro mio ben
PARTITA IN D FLAT MAJOR: Pastorale
An den Fruhling
The Sleeping Beauty: Pas de quatre, Adagio
Rosamunde - Ballet In G Major
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor Op. 37: Largo
Emperor Waltz, op. 437

Tracks:

Harp Concerto In B Flat Major: Andante allegro
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Flute Concerto In F Major, Op. 10 'La Tempesta di Mare': Presto
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor Op. 13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile
Horn Concerto In E Flat Major K 495: Rondo. Allegro vivace
Poeme Op. 41 No. 6
Wilhelm Tell: Soldier's Dance
Liebestraum No. 3 In A flat Major
Violin Romance No. 2
Flute Concerto In E Minor: Rondo
Intermezzo In E Flat Major Op. 117,1
Carmen: Habenera
Symphony No. 3 'Scottish': Vivace non troppo
Vienna Bonbons: Waltz Op. 307

Tracks:

Symphony No. 40 In G Minor K. 550: Molto Allegro
Preghiera - Mozarianna Suite: Ave Verum
Arietta Op. 12,1
Concerto BWV 1056: Arioso
The Four Seasons: Concerto Nr. 3 Autumn: Allegro
Des Abends (Evening)
Holberg Suite Op. 40: Gavotte
Melancholy Galliard
Flute Concerto No. 2 In D Major K. 314: Rondo. Allegretto
Spinning Song
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Valse Melancolique
Flute Quartet K. 285a: Tempo di Minuetto
Moment Musical In A Flat Major, D 780 No. 2
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major K 271 'Jeunehomme': Rondo - Presto

Tracks:

String Serenade: Moderato
Traumerei Op. 15
Ave Maria
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major: Allegro
Minuet In D Minor
Suite No. 1: Marche Miniature
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Notturno
Mazurka In D Major Op. 33 No. 2
Divertimento K 251: Andantino
On Wings Of A Song
Carmen: Nocturne
Melody
Sonata In C Major BWV 1033: Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor 'Winter Dreams': Adagio cantabile
Sound Of The Spheres, Waltz Op. 235

Tracks:

The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture
Sonata In C sharp Minor Op. 27,2 'Moonlight Sonata': Adagio sostenuto
German Dance No. 1
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor Op.posth.
Haffner Serenade: Minuet
Septet In E Flat Major Op. 20: Tempo di Minuetto
Symphony No. 4 Italian: Andante con moto
Prelude In D Flat Major Op. 28, No. 15 'Rain Drops'
'3 Small Pieces': Impromptu
'The Nutcracker': March
Romance In E Flat Major Op. 44
Piano Sonata No. 16 In C Major 'Sonata facile': Allegro
'The Nutcracker': Scene No. 10
Enjoy Your Life Waltz, Op. 340

Beethoven, Brahms, Glinka: Clarinet Trios

Average customer rating:

Outstanding!
The best recording of Brahms Clarinet Trio I've ever heard

Beethoven, Brahms, Glinka: Clarinet Trios

Manufacturer: Bravo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005BIU9
Release Date: 2001-03-30

Tracks:

Ludwig van Beethoven: Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in B-flat, Op. 11
Johannes Brahms: Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in A Minor, Op. 114
Mikhail Glinka: Trio pathetique for Clarinet, Cello and Piano

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding!.......2001-10-01

I'm so glad Mr. Gigliotti finally decided to record chamber music (I have several of his recordings with the Philadelphia Orchestra from the 49 years he performed with them). I agree with the other review of this recording; it is truly the best Brahms trio recording I have ever heard.

The best recording of Brahms Clarinet Trio I've ever heard.......2001-08-31

This is definitely the best recording of Brahms Clarinet Trio I've ever heard. It easily surpasses Sony's Stolzman/Ma/Ax recording in both interpretation and sound quality. Beethoven's trio is very good as well, and Glinka's Trio pathetique is a pure delight. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Recording
Wrong Review Below

Brahms: Complete Piano Trios

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Serenade in D Major Op. 8; Trio in E-flat Major Op. 3 - The Leopold Trio
Dvorák: Piano Trios, Opp. 65 & 90
Mendelssohn: The Piano Trios
Piano Trio in E Flat
Schubert: Piano Trio, D 898; Trio movement, D 28; Notturno, D 897

ASIN: B0000063BW
Release Date: 1998-04-14

Tracks:

Trio in B major for piano, violin, and cello: Allegro con brio
Trio in B major for piano, violin, and cello: Scherzo: Allegro molto
Trio in B major for piano, violin, and cello: Adagio
Trio in B major for piano, violin, and cello: Allegro
Trio in E flat major for piano, violin, and horn: Andante - Poco piu animato
Trio in E flat major for piano, violin, and horn: Scherzo: Allegro
Trio in E flat major for piano, violin, and horn: Adagio mesto
Trio in E flat major for piano, violin, and horn: Finale: Allegro con brio

Tracks:

Trio in C major for piano, violin and cello Op 87: Allegro
Trio in C major for piano, violin and cello Op 87: Andante con moto
Trio in C major for piano, violin and cello Op 87: Scherzo: Presto
Trio in C major for piano, violin and cello Op 87: Finale: Allegro giocoso
Trio in C minor for piano, violin and cello Op 101: Allegro energico
Trio in C minor for piano, violin and cello Op 101: Presto non assai
Trio in C minor for piano, violin and cello Op 101: Andante grazioso
Trio in C minor for piano, violin and cello Op 101: Allegro molto
Trio in A minor for piano, clarinet and cello Op 114: Allegro
Trio in A minor for piano, clarinet and cello Op 114: Adagio
Trio in A minor for piano, clarinet and cello Op 114: Andante grazioso
Trio in A minor for piano, clarinet and cello Op 114: Allegro

Amazon.com

For the record, Florestan is the principal tenor character in Beethoven's heroic opera, Fidelio. He then became one of Schumann's literary alter egos as a music critic, so that's where this excellent group of British musicians gets its name. And since Schumann and Brahms were very close friends, this particular trio ought to be first rate in Brahms's music, right? As luck would have it, they are! Brahms's trios for various combinations of instruments really brought out the best in him. They have all of his typical strictness of form and construction, allied to a particularly generous fund of melody. There isn't a dud in the lot, so if you're interested in any of these pieces, why not get them all? --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Recording.......2000-10-16

The performance is very good while the recording is a must for any audiophile.

Wrong Review Below.......1999-12-31

Amazon - please move the review below to its proper place under Beethoven