Today’s journey into the world of classical music recordings takes in the latest releases from two American based trios.
Firstly, The Icicle Piano Trio bring us remarkable performances of pieces by Ravel and Schubert. Then we have Postcards In E from the The Merling Trio who expertly perform compositions by Dvorak and Dmitri Shostakovich.
Icicle Creek Piano Trio: Ravel and Schubert (Con Brio Recordings, CBR28453)
The Icicle Piano Trio is the Ensemble-in-Residence at the Icicle Creek Music Centre in Leavenworth, Washington. The trio consist of American violinist Jennifer Caine, English cellist Sally Singer, and Russian born pianist Oksana Ezhokina.
They have performed, either as a trio or individually, at many prestigious venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall, and have toured extensively throughout Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and the UK. For this recording they have chosen to perform Ravel’s “Trio In A-Minor” and Schubert’s “Trio No. 2 in E–Flat”.
The "Trio In A-Minor" was Ravel’s only piano trio and was written in 1914 in the French Basque region which inspires much of the atmosphere within its first movement, “Modere”. The movement effortlessly shifts between sections of near frenetic activity through to others that radiate a peaceful calm.
Ravel dedicated this impressionistic masterpiece to his counterpoint instructor Andre Gedalgo. Perhaps this influence can best be heard within the third movement of the piece, “Passacaille”. The “Finale” slowly builds towards a triumphant and heroic conclusion.
The quality of the trio's performance perfectly captures and recreates Ravel’s mastery of precision, and the intricate construction of the piece. Each member of the trio combine to create a recording of exquisite charm and utmost quality.
The counterpoint between cello and violin, and the richness of tone recorded from the piano underline not only the excellent musicianship but also the superb production achieved by Al Swanson.
Schubert’s “E-Flat Trio” was, according to Robert Schumann, equal to Beethoven’s colossal “Ghost” and “ Archduke” trios. Within its four movements Schubert takes us through moments of beautiful fragility and on into sections of intense and dramatic power. The opening “Allegro” maintains a lightness of touch, whilst the closing “Moderato” is joyously compelling.
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