More Beethoven wonderfulness performed by Trio Elegiaque:
Laurent Le Flecher violin
Virginie Constant cello
Francois Dumont piano
Here’s what was on tap for me today:
Piano Trio in B Flat Op. 11 “Gassenhauer”
Piano Trio in G Op. 121 A
Piano Trio in E Flat Op. 38 after septet Op. 20
On one hand, this CD is more of the same: Piano Trios performed by Trio Elegiaque (Laurent Le Flecher, violin, Virginie Constant, cello, and Francois Dumont, piano).
Yet, it’s different.
Piano Trio in B Flat Op. 97 “Archduke” is melodic, enchanting, and very pretty. For one thing, I’m a sucker for pizzicato, the plucking of strings. It’s a sound both compelling and lighthearted, sort of like when a character in a Disney cartoon movie sneaks up on another character. It’s that tip-toe sound the instruments make. So everyone leans in.
Halfway through Movement I (“Allegro moderato”) there’s a break in which pizzicato strings and a trilling piano hold sway. There’s even a part where the pizzicato strings and the piano play a run together.
Then, it all kind of breaks down into what sounds like improvisational jazz or experimental music. But then the cello returns the melody and the strings and piano return to form.
It’s very clever.
Totally what I’ve come to know as classic Beethoven.
What a style.
All of the compositions on today’s CD are interesting, imminently listenable.
Piano Trio in B Flat Wo039
Piano Trio in E Flat Op. 63 after the String Quarter Op. 4
If you liked the first two CDs of piano trios, you’ll like this one.
I did.
And I do.
But after hearing this many piano trios I’m starting to think I’d like to hear something different. They all tend to sound more or less the same after awhile.
Today’s CD features the following compositions:
Piano Trio in E Flat Op. 1 No. 1 (Composed 1795)
Piano Trio in D after Symphony No. 2
Triosatz in E Flat (Composed 1790-1792)
Of course, I need to know what a Triosatz is.
Oddly enough, I can’t find information on the word itself.
Oh, well.
Performers for today’s CD are the same as they’ve been:
Trio Elegiaque
Laurent Le Flecher violin
Virginie Constant cello
Francois Dumont piano
The Trio remains as engaging and vibrant as it’s been on the last couple of CDs. I’d love to watch Francois Dumont play this music. His fingers must be a blur.
More piano trios. More fleet-fingered playing from Francois Dumont.
Fun, fun music.
The interplay between the members of Trio Elegiaque (Laurent Le Flecher on violin, Virginie Constant on cello, and Francois Dumont on piano) is delightful. All three instruments perfectly complement one another.
Sometimes, Dumont will cut himself from the pack with a flurry of notes. Sometimes, Le Flecher will do so with the violin. And the cellist provides the perfect underpinning for it all. Much like a great bass player does in a rock band.
It’s all about the groove, baby.
Here’s what’s on tap today:
Beethoven Piano Trio in C Minor Op. 1 No. 3 (First performed in 1793. Beethoven was 23.)
Beethoven Piano Trio in E Flat Op. 70. No. 2 (Published in 1809. Beethoven was 39.)
Beethoven Piano Trio in E Flat Op. 44 (Composed 1792-1800. Beethoven was 22-30.)
Beethoven’s music runs the gamut from introspective, melancholy, and lonely to loud, vibrant, and uptempo.
He’s the King of Dynamics.
Beautiful music.
Which is precisely what I need at the moment.
After two trips to the ER at our local hospitals in about as many weeks, I’m ready for something beautiful.
Beethoven is just what the doctor ordered.
Compositions on today’s CD are:
Piano Trio in G Op. 1 No. 2
From its entry on Wikipedia, we learn,
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Opus 1 is a set of three piano trios (written for piano, violin, and violoncello), first performed in 1793 in the house of Prince Lichnowsky, to whom they are dedicated. The trios were published in 1795.
Despite the Op. 1 designation these were not Beethoven’s first published compositions; this distinction belongs to his Dressler Variations for keyboard (WoO 63).
This trio is lively and expansive. Lots of opportunity for the pianist to showcase his dexterity.
Beethoven was 23 when this trio was Continue reading