Bamberg Trio – Beethoven: Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello «Archduke» (1994)

The ultimate blindfold test, this disc contains recorded performances of Beethoven's "Archduke" Piano Trio as well as his Variations on "Ich bin der Schneider Kakadu," but nowhere does it say who the performers are. This is, of course, unacceptable. While it is acceptable to buy a recording of a performance, it is unacceptable not to attribute the performers.

As it turns out, it's the Bamberg Trio, which has turned in strong, polished, and powerful performances in the finest Central European Tradition. The unrushed lyricism of the tempos, the natural dignity of the rhythms, and the affection and sincerity of the interpretations suit Beethoven at his most genial, elevated, and witty. These are even individualistic performances with a violinist who uses a rich vibrato to sweeten the top of a line, a cellist who puts his bow on edge during the tuttis, and a pianist who lets his left hand keep to the tempo while his right hand is as much a soloist as the violinist or the cellist. The ensemble is graceful and easy, but tight and forceful when it needs to be. Although unlisted by Point Classics, the members of the Bamberg Trio are accomplished artists and their recording is highly enjoyable.

Point Classics' digital recording is standard-issue too-close, too-vivid, too-immediate Eastern European post-Collapse of Communisim sound, that is, not too much worse than too-clear, too-clean, too-clear western European post-Triumph of Capitalism sound.