Viktoria Mullova, the renowned violinist, joins forces with André Previn on piano and Heinrich Schiff on cello to deliver a captivating performance of two iconic piano trios. Released in 1995 under Decca Music Group Ltd., this album features Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Trio No. 7 in B-Flat Major, Op. 97, affectionately known as the "Archduke," and Johannes Brahms' Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8.
The album opens with Brahms' Piano Trio No. 1, a work that showcases the composer's early mastery of the form. The four movements, from the energetic "Allegro con brio" to the introspective "Adagio," are rendered with a keen sense of drama and nuance by Mullova, Previn, and Schiff. The ensemble's tight-knit playing and expressive phrasing bring out the depth and complexity of Brahms' writing.
The second half of the album is devoted to Beethoven's "Archduke" Trio, a monumental work that represents the pinnacle of the composer's output for piano trio. The performers navigate the work's demanding technical and emotional terrain with aplomb, from the expansive "Allegro moderato" to the exhilarating finale. Mullova's lyrical playing and Previn's sensitive accompaniment are particularly noteworthy in the "Andante cantabile ma però con moto," a movement that has become one of the most beloved in the chamber music repertoire.
Throughout the album, Mullova, Previn, and Schiff demonstrate a remarkable degree of musical sympathy and technical virtuosity. Their playing is characterized by a warm, rounded tone and a keen sense of phrasing and dynamics. The recording, made in the acoustic of a concert hall, captures the ensemble's sound in all its richness and detail.
This album is a testament to the enduring power of these two great works and the artistry of the performers who bring them to life. Whether you are a seasoned chamber music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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