Customer Reviews

Spohr: Piano Trio Op. 119 / Piano Quintet Op. 130

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In a review of 19 June 2000 I wrote favorably about the Hartley's warm-hearted and sensitive accounts of Louis Spohr's Piano Trios Nos. 2 (Op. 123) and 4 (Op. 133). So, if you already own this CD, you know how addictive and beautiful these chamber compositions are, will need no prodding from me, and you will most likely own the other discs that comprise this Naxos trilogy; however, for those with burgeoning interest, I suggest beginning your Spohr traversal with, aptly enough, his Piano Trio No. 1 (Op. 119), one of the finest of the five Spohr trios, and the superb, coupled, Piano Quintet (Op. 130).

With the thrill of repetition tweaking my soul, I cannot resist, as usual, reiterating my earlier enthusiasm. Louis Spohr (1784-1859), a Romantic in every sense of the word--- amidst giants of his time--- has something to say, always, and say it he does, most graciously. The music, playing and sound of this Naxos disc (as well as the others in the trilogy) are utterly disarming, totally irresistible.

[NOTE: Why Naxos did NOT release these piano trios sequentially, allowing Trios 1 and 2, 3 and 4, to occupy their own CDs--- and, lastly, 5 and the Piano Quintet as the final CD of the series--- is totally beyond me. Incomprehensible. As no time restrictions limit such a production move, one can only speculate on the unbridled scope of absolute aesthetic idiocy.]

[Running time: 66:42]

This is one of Amazon's CD-R, on-demand, offerings. The Amazon blurb says this is equal to the original Naxos release, and has the same 'art work.' What Amazon doesn't say is whether you get the same notes as the original. A friend ordered one of these Spohr discs and got no notes - and no response from Amazon when he inquired. If notes are an issue for you, beware!

Never heard of Spohr? This CD is a match for any of the "well known" composers, even Mozart and Beethoven. Well recorded.
Beautiful music.