Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Grumiaux Trio, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber Ensemble :: Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos

Warning: unknown masterpiece!!!

Dr. Ciaran Taylor | Dublin | 03/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To me, the main work in this set is the Trio in E flat, K 563. It is in the form of a (very serious) divertimento: a sequence of varied movements, including a really ingenious set of variations. The inventiveness, seriousness and wit on display put it on a par with Mozart's greatest chamber works. The string quartets are part of a long and famous series of works which draw attention to each other, but the trio is out on its own and for that reason it's been passed over unnoticed. Do yourself a favour and notice it: join the elite group who know it exists and have experienced its magnificence. With these players it's in the safest of hands. The great Belgian violinist and Mozartian Arthur Grumiaux and his associates are responsible for some great gems of chamber music playing (the Mozart string quintets, Faure piano sonatas...) and this is a rare diamond! Buy two and make yourself and a friend very happy (you're going to want to share this discovery)!"

If only I could rate higher!

bonsai724 | Houston, TX USA | 07/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mozart, in his own capacity, blessed the entire musical world with hundreds of pieces (around 600). Being a composer placed within the formal grounds of the Classical Era, his pieces hold an air of a once embraced society of the proper and the unproper. His music is cherished by the hearts of many (my own included) through his determination and creativity. "It is a mistake to think that the practice of my art has become easy to me--no one has given so much care to the study of composition as I have. There is scarcely a famous master in music whose works I have not frequently and diligently studied," were the words of this master. With such a numerous amount of pieces, some have over the years obscured other pieces of equal quality into the background (these string trios and duos are a wonderful example) This CD brings out the best qualities the string instruments have. It is truely remarkable how the clarity and the immense genious is revealed. In fact, alot of these string duos and trios were composed for the purpose of playing with some of his other composer friends (Vanhal, Dittersdorf, and Haydn). Mozart's favorite instrument was the viola and he deeply enjoyed the opportunity to perform with his friends. (You will find that in these pieces the viola is taken at times higher than the norm, undoubtedly to fulfill Mozart's desire for interest and originality) Overall, my fellow Mozart seekers, this is a CD you SHOULD NOT pass by. It will surely enhance your appreciation and knowledge of the Mozart experience."

A style made for Mozart

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 08/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is yet another great Mozart Philips recording featuring the elegant playing of Arthur Grumiaux. The String Quintets and Violin Concertos are other ones. When you hear Grumiaux play Mozart like this, you think, "Now, how can one top that?" Such a dignified, galante and poised style as his is perfect for Mozart's music. These two CD's provide a cournacopia of Mozart delights played magnificantly by Arthur Grumiaux and friends: three string duos, the one and only great string trio (K.563) and a rather unique collection of preludes and fugues mostly transcribed from Bach's "Well Tempered Clavier" for violin and viola. Each work also has an interesting story behind it as does most of Mozart's music.



Two of the late duos Mozart wrote were "ghost written" for a terribly ill Michael Haydn - a comtemporary and great friend of Mozart. As history goes, Haydn had promised a series of six duos for the impatient Archbishop Colloredo and was two short. Mozart's continual visiting the ill Haydn and lightening-fast composing of these two duos reveal the compassionate, warm-hearted side of Mozart. In each you can hear both Haydn and Mozart by the various musical mannerisms, but they eventually passed off as Haydn's works just fine.



The trio is a late work (K563/626) that was written in 1788 - the year that Mozart's popularity with the fickle Vieneese dwindled and life strarted to fall apart. But, one would never know this from the skill and stature of the great work. Having a full six movements lasting a full 45 minutes, the string trio is a work of grand scale and rich diversity that does not once become bogged down, repetitive or dull. The equality of the part writing is especially notable as much as is the complex sonorities, intelligent design and lyrical charm. It ranks right up there with his quintets as Mozart's most accomplished chamber works.



Perhaps the surprize delight of the set are the six preludes and fugues, most of which are transcribed from JS Bach (and one each from JC Bach and Mozart). It is said that Mozart's wife Constanze adored the fugues of Bach and Handel upon first hearing them in 1782 and supposedly begged her husband to compose such music - which apparently he obliged with these works here. Of course they sound like Bach as they mostly are Bach. The Grumiaux Trio makes them sound glorious from their rich and nuanced playing and the fine Philip's sound quality. Overall, a rich, rewarding listening experience.



If you are new to Mozart's chamber music, these Philips DUO sets are excellent CD's to collect. The most recommended Philips Mozart CD's are: The Great Piano Concertos Vol I, II, the Violin Concertos, Great Quintets Vol. I and II, the Piano Trios and String Trios/Duos here. Then, the Great Seranades, the six 'Haydn' String Quartets, the two Piano Quartets and Great Violin Sonatas Vol. I, II are also fine music."