Customer Reviews

Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2, Opp. 49,66

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album to commemorate Mendelssohn's bicentennial has shown up a little past 2009, but it's a welcome return to chamber music by three stars in the classical world. Of the major labels, Sony BMG seems to have given up on chamber music almost completely. Thank goodness we have an archive of recordings from the era when Yo-Yo Ma and Isaac Stern, often in the company of Emanuel Ax, produced an outpouring of Brahms CDs that remain the best modern renditions. Perlman has made fewer appearances in chamber music since his early days but is, of course, accomplished in his own right.

Here they compete with the ghost of Stern, whose all but definitive account of the two Mendelssohn Piano Trios with partners Leonard Rose and Eugene Istomin derives from an even earlier era before he met Ma. As befits the performers' gray hair, these new recordings are seasoned and relaxed. The whirlwind Scherzo in Trio no. 1 won't stir up any dust; the opening Molto allegro e agitato is far from being either very fast or agitated. Is it right to turn the finale, marked "very fast" and "passionate," into something more civilized? The same experienced, suave restraint hovers over Trio no. 2 as well. Comparisons with Istomin-Stern-Rose or the trio led by Julia Fischer on PentaTone, not to mention the ultra-energized Martha Argerich and Friends (EMI), reveal how this music sounds when played with more vitality. On the other hand, there's no denying that the playing here bespeaks Cadillac musicianship, even if it rarely gets out of first gear

The combination of Mendelssohn's music and a trio of marvelous performers to play it is unbeatable. All three members of the trio are skilled solo musicians. In this recording Emanuel Ax, Itzhak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma prove beyond a doubt that they are magnificent ensemble players as well.

Mendelssohn and spring seem to go together. Even in the middle of a bitterly cold winter or a hot and humid summer, this recording sings of spring. The melodies, traded back and forth between instruments, are so beautiful that the listener is moved to hum along in his/her mind and heart.

There is no fighting for supremacy in this recording. The musicians honor the flow of the music and the sensitivity required by it. The melodies flow seamlessly from cello to violin to piano and back again. All in all, this is a magnificent recording of a superlative performance.

**** 1/2. Compared to my CD of the solid, direct Beaux Arts Trio, and remembrances of the scholarly but energetic Stern-Istomin-Rose group, the classical superstars of this new album perform the Mendelssohn works with emphasis on grace and joy. The sweet and lyrical Op. 49, comes off smoothly but without inner depth; the more serious, classical Op. 66 offers thought and emotional gravitas. Perlman and Ma were mentored by Stern and both play with lightness and fluidity. There is no roughness or edginess to their sound; thus, their approach is fitting for the early romantic Mendelssohn. Do not expect a wide range of temperaments; these compositions are andante and allegro, but the final two movements of the second trio are vigorous and bright. I wonder if this senior trio will go on to other issues of, for example, the Schubert, Schumann, and Dvorak trios. Or perhaps they will venture to contempory trios. I am pleased with this particular recording and recommend these light, popular pieces for those whose interest in chamber work is still developing.

I've got the Casals recording at the White House in 1961 and the Heifetz/Piatigorsky/Rubenstein version from 1950. I believe the Ma/Ax/Perlmanrecording is the most beautiful, joyful and expressive of the 3.

This music isn't for everyone and I can only tolerate the best. Well, this is the best. Three of the greatest talents performing together is magnificent. It plays in the car continuously.

Yo Yo Ma and Ax have long been favorites on the music recording scene, adding Perlman on this recording only made things "over the top". A long awaited compilation, excellent selction of music and recording. If you like chamber music, this is an excellent album for any music fan or collector.

With modern, demonstration quality sound. Once and for all, this recording make obsolete the Stern, Istomin, Rose set, also on Sony in dim, 1960s vintage sound. This all star piano trio has the measure of this music and is the new benchmark for these works.

I ordered this because I had seen the video and rarely if ever have I seen artists perform with such pure pleasure evident by their facial expressions.Not to mention the purity of the music they performed. They made me feel the same way,just listening and watching this unique group perform. I even sent a copy to my grandson
just so he could see what is meant by pure pleasure!

A wonderful trio of players. An outstanding recording of great Mendelssohn trios. It couldn't be done better.

What could be bad with musicians of this level? This is a gorgeous selection of music that is elegantly played by gifted, extraordinary musicians.