Piano Trio No. 1 D major Op. 70 Ghost

Largo assai ed espressivo


  • Recorded: 24th May 2020
  • Record Place: The Martínek Studio, Prague
  • First Release: 2020
  • (P) 2020 SUPRAPHON a.s.
  • Genre: Chamber Music

Artists

  • music by: Ludwig van Beethoven
  • musical group: Smetana Trio

Album

Smetana Trio

Beethoven: Piano Trios

Catalogue Number: SU 4288-2
Published: 25th September 2020
Genre: Chamber Music
Format: 2 CD
This album has received following awards:
  • BBC Music Magazine Chamber Choice (2020)
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) - Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3; Piano Trio in B flat major, Op. 97, the "Archduke Trio"; Piano Trio in D major, Op. 70 No. 1, the "Ghost Trio"; Piano Trio in E flat major, Op. 70 No. 2
Smetana Trio: Jitka Čechová - piano, Jan Talich - violin, Jan Páleníček - cello

When Beethoven assigned the opus number one to his three piano trios, it was evident that the then 22-year-old composer would explore, advance and co-create the composition rules, and that he would very nearly transcend that which was comprehensible to his contemporaries. Upon hearing the first private performance of Op. 1, Joseph Haydn purportedly voiced his doubts as to whether the ordinary listener would be able to understand No. 3. Beethoven experimented with this combination of instruments too - with the form, harmonies and other facets. The Piano Trio in D major, Op. 70 No. 1 may have had its roots in sketches for an opera based on Shakespeare's drama Macbeth that Beethoven was contemplating at the time. The spectral music of the slow movement, featuring strange modulations and said to be a reworking of the Witches Chorus intended for the opera, earned the piece the nickname "Ghost Trio". In the "Archduke Trio", Op. 97, Beethoven emancipated all the instruments, providing each equal scope to apply their technical qualities and possibilities of expression. Its first performance, in April 1814, was the penultimate public concert Beethoven, at the time almost deaf, gave as a pianist. The 250th anniversary of one of the greatest composers of all time was an irresistible impulse for the Smetana Trio. Their new addition to the Beethoven discography possesses all the parameters of the ensemble's previous, highly acclaimed recordings and will undoubtedly cause quite a stir.

Beethoven's chamber music through the lens of the Smetana Trio

Reviews

“The truly striking thing is how seamlessly they work together. Jan Talich’s violin tone can be velvety and almost viola-like, meaning he shares a genuine tonal middle ground with Jan Páleníček’s cello; this in turn acts as a springboard for Čechová’s tonal nuance. It all makes for an extensive colour palette, imaginatively applied but never overdone in these exuberant and hugely enjoyable performances.”
BBC Music Magazine, Christmas 2020

“Le Trio Smetana a de Beethoven une lecture plutôt sérieuse et rigoureuse, mais toujours vivante et jamais austère. Selon l’expression consacrée, si cet enregistrement ne bouleverse pas une très abondante discographie, il vient incontestablement l’enrichir et a toute sa place aux côtés des grands classiques.”
Crescendo, December 2020

“Après un superbe album Martinu, voici, réunis pour l’île déserte, les quatre plus beaux trios avec piano de Beethoven, servis par des interprètes tour à tour passionnés, sensuels et d’une infinie douceur. Un clavier agile et coloré allié à des cordes soyeuses, légères et généreuses éclaire de nuances frémissantes le juvénile Trio no 3 en ut mineur, dont les insolentes brusqueries, les anguleux contrastes sont admirablement débusqués.”
Diapason, June 2021

“Adepte d’un classicisme dépouillé, l’ensemble tchèque associe la rugosité des cordes à un piano charpenté aux timbres délicats, générant d’expressives frictions harmoniques. Les mouvements de danses sont ainsi caractérisés avec un réalisme stupéfiant (le Scherzo du Trio «Archiduc», rustique à souhait), et le Largo assai ed espressivo du Trio «Les Esprits» en devient presque glaçant.”
Classica, June 2021

CD 1

Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Trio No. 3 C minor Op. 1
1. Allegro con brio 09:55
2. Andante cantabile con variazioni 08:14
3. Menuetto. Quasi allegro - Trio 03:42
4. Finale. Prestissimo 07:58
Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Trio B Flat major Op. 97 Archduke
5. Allegro moderato 13:22
6. Scherzo. Allegro 11:34
7. Andante cantabile ma pero con moto 11:39
8. Allegro moderato 07:17

CD 2

Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Trio No. 1 D major Op. 70 Ghost
1. Allegro vivace e con brio 10:15
2. Largo assai ed espressivo 08:56
3. Presto 08:06
Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Trio No. 2 E Flat major Op. 70
4. Poco sostenuto - Allegro ma non troppo 10:07
5. Allegretto 05:35
6. Allegretto ma non troppo 06:56
7. Finale. Allegro 07:59

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