Customer Reviews

Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56; Piano Trio, Op. 11

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I receive a great deal of pleasure listining to this recording. The balance of instruments that the Trio displays in this recording and in several of their other recordings is what makes them unique.

I think previous reviews of these performances of the Triple Concerto and particularly of the Piano Trio Op. 11 were over enthusiastic. Anyone interested in understanding the reasons of my disappointment with the Eroica Trio, should listen and compare the interpretation of the Op. 11 by the Stern-Isotomin-Rose Trio. They set the gold standard (Sony Classical SM2K 64513). Music will tell you more than words.

Muzio Clementi
Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56; Piano Trio, Op. 11

Last year, I happened to catch the Eroica Trio with the Prague Chamber Orchestra on campus. These marvelous women played the Beethoven Triple Concerto with such arm whipping action. It was pretty interesting when you watch each woman competing with their parts. I think it is definitely worth-watching them on stage since you really don't get that kind of dynamic from a recording.

1. Beethoven Triple Concerto Opus 56

Still, I am sure your are going to love this recording. Both in the Triple Concerto performance and recording, I feel that the violinist and cellist have strong parts. The pianist is just accompanying for both strings. The Prague Chamber Orchestra has some good moments as well in between.

Allegro- The main theme can be easily heard here. It is also echoed in the last movement as well. I think you might stop there and think this is probably as good as it gets. Don't stop just yet since you have two other really good movements.

Largo- This is the slower movement. It is also personally my favorite with such beautiful duets between violin and cello. Usually, the middle one is slow and drags on but not this one. You can feel the sadness and the piano really sings here. Be sure to listen to its solo which is so simple yet sweet.

Rondo alla Polacca- Last, the movement ends on a high note. I really liked the shape and form of this concerto. It starts out with gusto and ends with gusto but slightly different. The middle is my favorite but you can't have without the other. This is just a really great combination.

2. Trio For Piano Opus 11

Well, you don't have the Prague Chamber Orchestra in this one. It probably makes sense since it is a trio rather than concerto. I usually find concerto with orchestras and trio to be more personal like chamber music.

Allegro con brio- I actually liked this first movement alot better than the second one. The exact opposite compared to the Triple Concerto. You might disagree but there are definitely some really good subtle transitions.

Adagio- Typical middle movement and didn't move me as much as the Triple Concerto's second movement. I think it was a little too sweet for me. Also, I felt that this sounded pretty familiar to other second movements. I was thinking lullaby and tried to stay awake during it.

Tema con variazioni- This really annoys me for some reason. It just sounds like a stroll in the park. Also, alot of variations on the same melody. I just don't know why Beethoven couldn't be more creative. Still, kudos for Eroica Trio on a job well done.