Customer Reviews

Berwald: Piano Trios, Vol. 1

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Please see my reviews of other Naxos Berwald chamber music including the second volume of the piano trios by the same team.
Berwald's piano trio number one is his best in the genre achieving an almost perfect balance between the instruments and creating one of the most beautiful trios in the history of music. From start to finish some of the most hauntingly beautiful music I have ever heard
The second trio (of six total) was the only one that seemed not to be successful. It seemed amateurishand did not hold one's interest
THe third trio returns to form laden in Romantic intensity, filled with quirky themes and original rhythms that make his best work so enjoyable--and memorable.

As I stated in my other reviews Berwald's chamber music really belongs in the collections of all classical music lovers. His trios, as a whole are second only to Beethoven's.
Please exuse typos i have a neurologic disease.

Franz Berwald's chamber output hasn't achieved the status of his symphonies, and listening to these piano trios one must perhaps admit that they don't quite reach the level of the symphonies in terms of thematic invention and formal cogency. Still, they are superbly constructed, brilliantly melodic and quite effective works, in particular the beautifully crafted, sparklingly tuneful third trio in d minor. They are also relatively late works (dating from after the symphonies). All three works contain their share of virtuoso writing, especially for the piano.

The first is probably the least striking; a relatively light work bordering on the salonesque at times (yet containing some amiable melodic material and being superbly balanced between the instruments). The second is more substantial, unmistakably Berwald with its vital rhythms and imaginative figurations and sudden flourishes and modulations. The third is, as mentioned, a wonderful work worthy of comparison with, say, the Mendelssohn trios, thoroughly romantic, wistful and full of characteristic quirks and effects.

The performances are generally admirably accomplished, lively and idiomatic, although I could imagine a little more snap and sparkle (I admit that I haven't heard any alternative performances) - the relatively dry sound might be somewhat to blame, however. Still, these are very good performances of some very rewarding music, and the disc deserves a firm recommendation, especially to anyone who knows and loves the symphonies.