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Review by nickc July 5, 2005 (10 of 10 found this review helpful)
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Fantastic new recording by a trio I hadn't heard of before - but hopefully will be hearing much more of!
Opus 1 No.2 starts off less portentously than some in the Adagio opening, it flows naturally into the Allegro vivace giving the movement a sense of unity. The second movement Largo also flows serenely though I found the Barenboim/Zukerman/Du Pre Trio to elicit more profundity at a much slower tempo (13.00 vs. 9.46). Scherzo could have a bit more "zing" but it is merely opening the floodgates for a hair-raising finale. Listen to the buzzing cello about 18 seconds in - Hungarian overtones perhaps?
The second, and much more famous "Ghost" Trio also receives an excellent performance. They don't go over the top in presenting the unison opening too violently but there is plenty of power in reserve. The "Ghost" largo is radiantly beautiful - listen to how beautifully the pianist plays the mysterious descending tremolo quavers that give the trio its name! Once again a thrilling finale.
Sound quality is top-class - I was tempted to say reference quality but I also just received the Channel Classics Beethoven Cello Sonatas and that sounds even better! No matter the trio is perfectly balanced - when the pianist plays murmuring bass notes you can hear and feel them in a perfect acoustic. It is slightly more present and vivid than the BIS Beethoven piano trio disc.
Great stuff Pentatone - though I won't be happy until I hear more from this trio!
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