Smetana Trio - Mendelssohn and Schubert: Piano Trios (2010)

Tracklist

01. Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49, MWV Q29: I. Molto allegro ed agitato
02. Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49, MWV Q29: II. Andante con moto tranquillo
03. Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49, MWV Q29: III. Scherzo. Leggiero e vivace
04. Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49, MWV Q29: IV. Finale. Allegro assai appasionato
05. Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 100, D. 929: I. Allegro
06. Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 100, D. 929: II. Andante con moto
07. Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 100, D. 929: III. Scherzo. Allegro moderato
08. Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 100, D. 929: IV. Allegro moderato



After focusing on the Czech trio literature (on highly acclaimed recordings ranging from Dvorák to Martinu) and paying a visit to Tchaikovsky (SU 3949-2), the Smetana Trio has turned to the very heart of the Romantic repertoire for their newest album. Both of the pieces on this disc rank among the most frequently played trios; in both of them, the composers succeeded in striking a rare balance in the texture as well as in the instrumentation, placing all three instruments on an even footing. The success of the Schubert trio, which makes use of Swedish folk melodies, is attested to by the fact that it was the only one of the composer’s works to be published abroad during his lifetime.

Coincidentally the piece received Robert Schumann’s highest praise in his comment on the Mendelssohn trio: “It is a contemporary masterpiece, a work such as Beethoven’s trios were in their day, or Schubert’s Trio in E flat Major, a very beautiful composition which still pleases grandchildren and great-grandchildren years afterwards.” Both pieces find excellent performers in the Smetana Trio, with its sense of ensemble playing. In Schumann’s words, may Mendelssohn and Schubert “still please grandchildren and greatgrandchildren years afterwards” on this recording as well.

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