[.ca] Piano Trios Vol. 1

Delightful Playing of Equally Delightful Music:
Schubert's two piano trios (the other one is also available on Naxos, featuring the same ensemble)are treasures--full of the relaxed and spacious lyricism that characterizes so much of his work. Both trios are very long, but after becoming familiar with their themes and irresistible melodies you'll wish they went on forever. They are definitely among Schubert's great works, but they have a curious place. More profound than the "Trout" quintet, they don't however carry the intensity of the later string quartets, or the mind-blowing emotional range of the final three piano sonatas. The Stuttgart Piano Trio is a testament to Naxos's recording philosophy. They are an experienced and distinguished group of musicians, yet they exist just outside the radar of superstardom and recording industry hype. However, they put heart and soul--not to mention considerable technique--into whatever they take on. They capture the spontaneity, joy and sense of play that Schubert must have wanted these pieces to convey. The recording quality is also very pleasing, since there is a true sense of equality and dialogue among the musicians, while the distinct individuality of all three instruments is preserved. On many chamber music performances, the microphones are often too close, so that the instruments seem to crowd together. No such problem here. Other than the Beaux Arts Trio recording, which is more expensive and includes some overly light string trios Schubert wrote in his very early youth, these are the ones you want.

A gem from Naxos:
The production on this album is stunning. It really does sound like the trio is sitting in the room right inf front of you. The trio that makes up the bulk of this disk is one of my favorite pieces of chamber music. Schubert is not afraid to write tunes that you will be humming along afterwards and yet they never feel lightweight. If you have not heard this piece, I highly recommend you take that ... risk and order this CD. Naxos' motto is "The Label of Discovery", and I was very pleased with this one.

• Trio in B Op. 99, D. 898 : Allegro moderato
• Trio in B Op. 99, D. 898 : Andante un poco mosso
• Trio in B Op. 99, D. 898 : Scherzo (Allegro)
• Trio in B Op. 99, D. 898 : Rondo (Allegro vivace-Presto)
• Trio in B, D. 28 : Allegro