Beethoven: Serenade in D Major Op. 8; Trio in E-flat Major Op. 3 - The Leopold Trio

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Unlike the Leopold Trio's companion disc of the Beethoven Op. 9 string trios, this one is an unqualified success. The difference lies in the nature of the music. These pieces are more genial, less spiky than the three slightly later trios. So the less assertive nature of the performances, in this case, fits the music well. The Leopold Trio does step on Beethoven's joke in the fourth movement of the Serenade, but elsewhere the ensemble's style is completely appropriate. And the amazingly crisp ensemble playing continues to delight and amaze. --Leslie Gerber

Beethoven: Serenade in D Major Op. 8; Trio in E-flat Major Op. 3 - The Leopold Trio, Music, Ludwig van Beethoven, Sarah-Jane Bradley, Marianne Thorsen, Kate Gould (cello), The Leopold Trio, Chamber, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Trio for Three String Instruments

Beethoven: Serenade in D Major Op. 8; Trio in E-flat Major Op. 3 - The Leopold Trio
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Beethoven's brilliant but neglected String Trios

Beethoven: Serenade in D Major Op. 8; Trio in E-flat Major Op. 3 - The Leopold Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven , Sarah-Jane Bradley , Marianne Thorsen , Kate Gould (cello) , and The Leopold Trio
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000I43U
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

Serenade In D Major Op. 8: Marcia: Allegro
Serenade In D Major Op. 8: Adagio
Serenade In D Major Op. 8: Menuetto: Allegretto
Serenade In D Major Op. 8: Adagio - Scherzo: Allegro molto - Adagio - Allegro molto - Adagio
Serenade In D Major Op. 8: Allegretto alla Polacca
Serenade In D Major Op. 8: Andante quasi allegretto - Variation 1 - Variation 2 - Variation 3 - Variation 4 - Allegro - Tempo I
Serenade In D Major Op. 8: Marcia: Allegro
String Trio In E-Flat Major Op. 3: Allegro con brio
String Trio In E-Flat Major Op. 3: Andante
String Trio In E-Flat Major Op. 3: Menuetto: Allegretto
String Trio In E-Flat Major Op. 3: Adagio
String Trio In E-Flat Major Op. 3: Menuetto: Moderato
String Trio In E-Flat Major Op. 3: Finale: Allegro

Amazon.com

Unlike the Leopold Trio's companion disc of the Beethoven Op. 9 string trios, this one is an unqualified success. The difference lies in the nature of the music. These pieces are more genial, less spiky than the three slightly later trios. So the less assertive nature of the performances, in this case, fits the music well. The Leopold Trio does step on Beethoven's joke in the fourth movement of the Serenade, but elsewhere the ensemble's style is completely appropriate. And the amazingly crisp ensemble playing continues to delight and amaze. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven's brilliant but neglected String Trios.......2006-01-07

As Beethoven matured as a composer, his music grew more complex in scope, richer in harmonic textures and more intense in its emotional gravity. The late string quartets, piano sonatas and symphonies come to mind. But his earliest music - like these works for string trio - was rich in the balanced forms and pleasurably harmonies of the classical era of Princes and Dukes. Like his early wind (Harmonie) music, the Serenade Op. 8 exudes pure delight for the entertainment of Beethoven's elite patrons. Next to his reluctantly-famous Septet Op. 20, this Serenade for String Trio Op. 8 was one of his most popular early works - as attested by the many transpositions based on it. The Serenade opens and closes with not-too imposing marches that frame a series of regal minuet movements and serene adagios along with a rare Polonaise of great charm. This much admired work was the most frequently performed string trios (of Op. 3, 8, 9) in spite of it being an early "apprentice work" that he used to hone his skills.

Likely modelled after Mozart's grand, six-movement divertimento string trio (K.563), Beethoven's Op. 3 trio is another work of great poise, musical diversity and pure enjoyment. The beautiful adagio movement shows early-on Beethoven's tremendous gifts for composing deeply poetic, serene movements. Yet, even in these most classical, carefree trios, we see signs of Beethoven's individuality and later trait of juxtoposing such soulful, innocent adagios with brusquely interuptions. But these interruptions do not yet possess the anquished tones that would follow later.

The three young women of The Leopold Trio recorded these two trios here (along with the Op. 9 set) in late 1990's at a relatively early age for the group. Yet, there is a fullness, a poise and a real maturity to their readings which imply years of conspiring together. They play this music with just the right amount of intensity and grace for early Beethoven without being trite or overly imposing. Their tone is rich, their ensemble crisp and their phrasings always supremely musical. One highlight of many would be the Adagio of the Op. 8 Serenade in which the octave doubling of violin/viola creates a most astonishing, mysterious effect over a legato cello backdrop.

Not to sound too trivial ... but this CD (and the companion one for Op. 9) is delightfully-rich music that is wonderfully played by the Leopolds. It has become a personal favorite for frequent listening and satisfies both a need for uplifting, pleasant music but with still much to say musically in its textures, intellect and artistry. Further making this CD an attractive purchase are three full pages of excellent liner notes and a pristine sound quality from Hyperion that cannot be faulted in any way. In short, while not the gravity of Beethoven's later works or string quartets, these pieces for string trio are more humble marvels that never cease to delight those who understand their intent and place in history. And The Leopold Trio plays them most skillfully. 5 stars.