Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2

Let us leave aside for now the question of "What is great musical art?" Some might want to leave Mendelssohn out of this category, though to me it seems as if the Songs without Words are something very fine, especially in Daniel Barenboim's hands. What about these trios? I've been listening perhaps too much to the Beethoven trios, overwhelmingly fine as interpreted by Trio Wanderer and of course The Beaux Arts Trio, whose much-lauded 9-disk traversal of the Haydn trios is very worth having. So how do these compare? They are every bit as lovely, enchanting even. The melodic riches here are so abundant that it's almost as if Mendelssohn, in his inventiveness, can seize upon an idea, develop it until you're hoping for more, only to release it and develop the next. The performances by these technically adept men are superb, and their interpretations beautifully meshed. I'm listening to them now. Also the recording quality sounds very fine on my vintage stereo system, with its Crown amp stack and Rectilinear III Highboys, spinning on a Pioneer PD-65 CD player through a modern Beresford DAC. Very pretty indeed.

The combination of Mendelssohn's music and a trio of marvelous performers to play it is unbeatable. All three members of the trio are skilled solo musicians. In this recording Emanuel Ax, Itzhak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma prove beyond a doubt that they are magnificent ensemble players as well. Mendelssohn and spring seem to go together. Even in the middle of a bitterly cold winter or a hot and humid summer, this recording sings of spring. The melodies, traded back and forth between instruments, are so beautiful that the listener is moved to hum along in his/her mind and heart. There is no fighting for supremacy in this recording. The musicians honor the flow of the music and the sensitivity required by it. The melodies flow seamlessly from cello to violin to piano and back again. All in all, this is a magnificent recording of a superlative performance.

Usually, the term "super group" is used in rock 'n roll to signify the talent gathered for the group, such as with Cream or The Highwaymen, or The Traveling Wilburys. That said, in the world of classical music, this is a "super group." Many would argue that Emmanuel Ax (piano), Yo Yo Ma (cello) and Itzhak Perlman (violin) are among the very best at each of their chosen instruments. Some would even say that any one of them may be the best ever. That said, I am no expert in classical music, but I do enjoy quite a bit of it and I found this album to be just nearly perfect to my ear. These three stars make extremely beautiful music together and that makes this album just a joy to hear. I am no one to rate just how well they play and/or interpret each of the pieces on this recording, but I know that I find all of them to give me great pleasure. Highly recommended.

Beautiful music. Play it in our gallery.

The item was exactly as described. Really good value.

Firstly, as a pianist, I'd like to register a protest vote: this piano trio is named after the violinist! But the recording is a wonderful bargain. The whole recording is terrific, but the first trio is particularly outstanding. I recommend this recording for seasoned lovers of trios, but also as a great way in for anyone who has not experienced piano trios before. I doubt if there is a more delightful composition or performance than the first Mendelssohn Piano Trio. Highly recommended

A trio of world-class musicians playing great music. What could possibly go wrong? Yes, it is a great recording of great performances. If you are interested in collecting Mendelssohn, Piano Trios, or just great classical music, then definitely acquire this CD.

I ordered this because I had seen the video and rarely if ever have I seen artists perform with such pure pleasure evident by their facial expressions.Not to mention the purity of the music they performed. They made me feel the same way,just listening and watching this unique group perform. I even sent a copy to my grandson just so he could see what is meant by pure pleasure!

Me ha gustado todo, las obras por conocidas y la excelsa interpretación

Les 2 trios piano-violon-violoncelle de Mendelssohn sont moins connus que ceux de Haydn et de Schubert. Ils sont pourtant bien agréables à entendre, surtout joués par de si grands solistes, visiblement heureux de jouer ensemble. Au-delà des grands chefs d’œuvre très connus, je découvre peu à peu qu’il n’y a « rien à jeter » dans la production de Mendelssohn, sinon à regretter sa fin précoce. La « patte » originale de ce compositeur se fait surtout sentir dans les deux scherzos, aériens. Cette musique de chambre n’est en aucun cas soporifique ou suintant la technique. Un vrai plaisir. Commentaire en anglais uniquement, cela mériterait une étoile en moins. Enregistrement studio de 2009.

このCDは、演奏をする上で、 悩みを解消していただきました。 マエストロ 雅氏 マエストロ 賢氏には、お世話になりました。

Not just a recording......this trio really enjoyed making it too!. It's a pleasure to listen them! :)

Wunderbare Einspielung, eine meiner absoluten Favoriten