Search - Georgi Lvovich Catoire, Room-Music, Stephen Coombs :: Catoire: Piano Trio, Op. 14; Piano Quartet, Op. 31

BY WAY OF FRANCE

GEORGE RANNIE | DENVER, COLORADO United States | 07/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Until purchasing this Hyperion recording of Georgy L'vovich Catoire's Piano trio in F minor, Piano Quartet in A minor, and Elegy in D minor for piano and violin as played by the chamber music ensemble, Room Music, I had never heard of this composer; however, being an extreme fan of chamber music, I, of course wanted to hear this recording. Believe me, it is a most beautiful recording of some wonderful late Romantic chamber works that are played exquisitely by the aforesaid group.

Catoire was a Russian born composer that was musically trained in Germany; however, to me, he must of made some visits to France because, in listening to this recording I was reminded a great deal of the beautiful chamber music of Faure and/or Chausson. (Catoire's Russian passions are most evident especially in his very dramatic 3rd movements of his quartet and trio.) According to the extensive "recording notes" by Stephen Coombs, Catoire was a frustrated composer that studied with Arensky much to his family's distain. However, he did compose large orchestra works including piano concertos that for the most part remain unpublished. Anyway, this recording of chamber music is very delightful and it is great to listen to--I will be looking for other (if there are any) recordings of Georgy L'vovich Catoire's music.



If you love late romantic chamber music with a `French Touch" buy this disc---it is beautiful!



Per usual, Hyperion's sound quality is superb--so full and rich.

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