Search - Bohuslav Martinu, Angell Piano Trio, Angel Trio :: Martinu: The Three Piano Trios

Martinu Sparkles---but pardon, this review is un-edited

G. J. Schwenk | Central New York (state; not city!) | 06/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc recording quality is, although not perfect, solid, and the instruments are well balanced. The Trio #3 in C seems a bit too hollow or "echoey" at times, but it doesn't really interfere that much with the performances; these, I must assert, are nearly flawless. Although certain parts sound rather muted and/or muffled, that is more a quality of the scoring rather than any defect on the part of the players.



The quality of the performances shine, and these works display a range a Martinu's developmental style, from Albert Roussel neo-classicism to anti-Ravelian folk themes wedded to rather striking, atonal backdrops--as in the middle to later string quartets. As a 'cellist, I was especially pleased by the violoncello/violin duet. These are the best recorded versions of these works that I have heard. If I could change anything, I would simply rate it a 4.75, rather than a full "5". (But note, this disc rates a "5" much more than it does a "4"."

Overall very fine performances

G.D. | Norway | 06/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This disc includes three of four works the immensely prolific Martinu wrote for the combination piano, violin and cello, namely the numbered trios - but eschews Bergerettes in favor of the Duo no. 2 for violin and cello. I hadn't encountered the Angell Trio before, but they acquit themselves very well in these scores, performing with rhythmic verve and energy, unity of ensemble and a wide range of character.



Trio no. 1, the Cinq pièces brèves was written in the course of a couple of days in 1930. It might not be one of Martinu's stronger works, even though it was apparently very well liked by Stravinsky and does contain some appealing ideas written out in an appealing, discursive neo-classical (or perhaps closer to neo-baroque) language. The advocacy it receives here is impressive however, from the energy and momentum of the opening allegro to the angular rhythmic patterns of the last movement - in particular the Angell's chilly, bleak rendition of the adagio should be mentioned. The second and third trios date from 1950 and 1951, respectively, and are more ambitious in scope (no. 3 in particular). In the second, the Angells provide a robust interpretation; the first movement is particularly finely judged, although the gentle andante might lack a little depth. They also whip up lots of energy and drive for the third movement even though lacking a little in tonal color (but the shortcomings might be due to a less than perfect recorded sound).



The third trio is a work of strong contrasts of character, and here again the Angell trio prove to be strong advocates with a darkly hued, menacing andante and a buoyant, almost raucous final movement. The Duo no. 2 for violin and cello is a very late work (1958), and it is a work of modest scope, reflective and lyrical (at least compared to its rather fiery predecessor). Again the playing is generally fine if not quite on the level of the trios (it's a little tentative and the string tone is dangerously thin at times). But overall these are very fine accounts of some very appealing music, and even though the sound quality might sometimes leave a little to be desired in terms of depth and perspective (and even clarity), the disc as a whole - especially given the modest price - can be safely recommended."