Customer Reviews

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 10: String Trios

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful recording. The performers play with passion and intensity. I couldn't agree less with the person who trashed this recording with one star. Each part in a string trio is more exposed than the individual parts in a quartet. Consequently, string trios call for more individuality on the part of the performers. These performers' virtuosity really brings this music alive. There is also an excellent recording of the Beethoven String Trios by Grumiaux et al. on Phillips.

I might not be able to discern the slightest subtleties in classical performances, but I know enough to know that this recording does not deserve a one-star rating. While I can see potential complaints in Mutter's or Rostropovich's perceived self-involved playing styles, I don't find that to be applicable here. In fact, it is Giuranna, a world-class viola player but not the household name the other two are, who provides the necessary cohesion to unite these masters. In my book one-star reviews should be reserved for truly incompetent musical efforts. Clearly the virtuosity of Mutter, Rostropovich and Giuranna should never be in question. Since the String Trios were written by Beethoven as a sort of warm-up for the Early String Quartets, these compositions, and this performance for that matter, may not be deserving of essential status, but they certainly should not be dismissed.

This is as good as it gets in my opinion. They sound like a quartet that has been together for many years.
Akin to a good Takacs Quartet recording. But Mutter adds that
incredible tone and style to make it even better.
The recording is also top notch with all three instruments sharing the soundstage and none are out done by any other.
Fantastic is all I can say..