Search - Johannes Brahms, Vienna Piano Trio :: Brahms: Piano Trio No.1, No.2 Op.8 & Op. 87

Brilliant

David Saemann | 04/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Vienna Piano Trio had only been in existence for five years when it made this CD, its debut recording for Naxos. Considering that the Trio has gone on to make many full priced CDs for Nimbus and MDG, its Naxos recordings of the Brahms Trios can be considered a great and fortunate bargain. By the 1993 recording date, this Trio already had achieved an enviable blend and modus operandi. Everything is beautifully proportioned and exquisitely thought out. As with the Beaux Arts Trio, you will not mistake the Vienna Piano Trio for a group of super virtuosos brought together for the dubious distinction of making chamber music. This Trio plays as though they are playing in your living room. It is playing that is completely unselfconscious in its measured emotionality. The recorded sound, from a castle in Budapest, is very good, although the piano sound does not spread out across the two channels the way it would in concert. In sum, this is a laudable achievement by all concerned and a great bargain, to boot."