Thibaud, Casals & Cortot Perform Haydn, Beethoven & Schubert

Pablo Casals (Performer), Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Franz Joseph Haydn (Composer), Franz Schubert (Composer), Alfred Cortot (Performer), Jacques Thibaud (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Pablo Casals, Alfred Cortot, Jacques Thibaud
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert
• Audio CD (August 20, 2002)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B000069CV4
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #262,304 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Keyboard Trio in G major ('Gypsy Trio') H. 15/25: Andante

2. Keyboard Trio in G major ('Gypsy Trio') H. 15/25: Poco adagio cantabile

3. Keyboard Trio in G major ('Gypsy Trio') H. 15/25: Rondo all'ongarese

4. Piano Trio in G major ('Kakadu Variations'), Op. 121a: Introduction

5. Piano Trio in G major ('Kakadu Variations'), Op. 121a: Theme and variations

6. Piano Trio in B flat major, D. 898 (Op. 99): Allegro moderato

7. Piano Trio in B flat major, D. 898 (Op. 99): Andante un poco mosso

8. Piano Trio in B flat major, D. 898 (Op. 99): Allegro

9. Piano Trio in B flat major, D. 898 (Op. 99): Allegro vivace

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

These recordings of the trio consisting of Alfred Cortot, Pablo Casals, and Jacques Thibaud, three of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, were made in 1926 and 1927. So the style of playing may seem dated to some, and others may have qualms about vintage sound. Fear not, though; the performances are full of insight and vitality, and Ward Marston's amazing transfers make them sound freshly scrubbed. The minimal surface noise shouldn't deter; it's the price for pristine highs such as those we hear in the natural sound of Thibaud's sweet, singing violin in the andante cantabile movement of the Haydn. The odd Beethoven work is masterly, too, with a gravely expressive introduction and a fun-filled set of variations made to order for the three virtuosos. The big work here is the Schubert Trio, in which this ensemble continues to amaze with their flawless phrasing and emotional commitment. Their phrasing of the Andante's gorgeous theme will melt your heart. These classic performances should be in every collection, and they're irresistible at Naxos's budget price. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cortot, Thibaud and casals, October 1, 2003

By	Peter G. Watchorn (Cambridge, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The performances, needless to say, are simply unbeatable. The transfer, by Ward Marston, is very well done (although the Schubert sounds even fresher on the newly re-mastered "Great Recordings of the Century" version, which I have also reviewed). This release includes not only the Schubert, which is the greatest of all the Cortot, Thibaud and Casals recordings, but also the Haydn " Gypsy Rondo" trio and the Beethoven "Kakadu" Variations (recorded at the same sessions as the Schubert, but never released on 78s). At Naxos' bargain price, you should buy it. And the other releases in the series as well. Music making such as this is not heard today. It comes from a world which has gone - forever. Strongest recommendation.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Richest Legacy Ever, April 22, 2003

By	BLee "bpslee" (HK) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Thibaud was amazingly colourful and this is evident from his trios here. Casals' tone here was even better than his Beethoven Sonatas. Those who grumble about "wrong notes" should take note how incisive and articulate Cortot could be. All of them are wonderful chamber musicians, plus greatest soloists. A perfect team which deserves much more attention than Heifetz/Feuermenn(Piatigorsky)/Rubinstein. The result, it's a full orchestra instead of a trio that we find from here: what else could we expect from this playing, or from such music?...

Yes, the recording is old but great music never grows outdated, the least of all thee playing of these soloists. They will remain a standard that will last for generations if not forever. Even the recording/transfer is well acceptable and the price is so nice. But as Cortot's fan, one might prefer their Schumann/ Mendelssohn of the same series from Naxos if we have to choose one.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Richest Legacy Ever, April 22, 2003

By	BLee "bpslee" (HK) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Thibaud was amazingly colourful and this is evident from his trios here. Casals' tone here was even better than his Beethoven Sonatas. Those who grumble about "wrong notes" should take note how incisive and articulate Cortot could be. All of them are most wonderful chamber musicians, plus greatest soloists. A perfect team which deserves much more attention than Heifetz/Feuermenn(Piatigorsky)/Rubinstein. The result, it's a full orchestra instead of a trio that we find from here: what else could we expect from this playing, or from such music?...

Yes, the recording is old but great music never grows outdated, the least of all thee playing of these soloists. They will, particularly their Schubert, remain a standard that will last for generations if not forever. Even the recording/transfer is well acceptable and the price is so nice. But as Cortot's fan, one might prefer their Schumann/ Mendelssohn of the same series from Naxos if we have to choose one.