Customer Reviews

Brahms: Piano Trios

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would say this is one of my most favourite chamber music discs in my collection. The music is sublime and the playing is out of this world. As an amateur pianist, I am under no illusions how difficult this music is, but Angelich is on top form - with great delicacy even in the heaviest writing. Highly recommended.

I agree with the BBC reviewer that this is some of the least self regarding playing I've heard in Brahms. They have clearly thought a lot about this music and go straight to its heart. The phrasing is detailed without in any way displacing or forcing the line, structure is lucid and emotion powerful: really exemplary chamber playing. The only recent Brahms chamber CD that is possibly better is the same musicians plus Gérard Caussé playing the piano quartets.
One bye the bye remark. The Capuçon brothers or Virgin need to hire better photographers and art directors. The covers and booklets on their discs are really horrible, with portraits that make them look idiots.

This fine pair of discs contains the 3 piano trios curiously written at opposite ends of Brahms' life. Curious because the early Op.8 trio was well received but did not acquire a successor until Op 87 and finally Op. 101. All 3 trios give considerable musical satisfaction and are among, if not the best from that period.

As regards the performances they remind me of a comment concerning Wilhelm Kempff's Beethoven - 'it is as if Beethoven is speaking directly to us without any medium in between' and so it is with Brahms and these three fine and non self-seeking players. Angelich is the sort of Brahms player who is able to give us a deeply committed viewpoint without ever becoming didactic. The music is always able to flow naturally and effortlessly yet equally avoids just skating along the musical surface. This is a very winning combination of course. Much the same characteristics can be found in the playing of the Capucon brothers and, as a trio, this makes a very rewarding combination.

There have been other fine performances of this repertoire of course but at present this fine recording from 2003 has the advantage of superior recording quality as well as providing a richly involving experience. I would suggest therefore that this should be seriously considered by all collectors of this repertoire and that most purchasers will find that they will be rewarded with a very satisfying musical acquisition.

To have close friend or family members (as here) playing chamber music is usually a bonus. The Capucon brothers are superb musicians and the feeling of unity in these performances is a great asset. Perhaps they are a little hesitant at times and Brahms needs to be played with great projection and warmth. Nevertheless a most enjoyable disc.