Search - Brahms, Bekova Sisters :: Piano Trio 3

Brahms knew better

John G. McKnight | Cupertino, CA US | 08/15/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"For two reasons, I cannot recommend this recording:



1 Brahms wrote Op 114 for clarinet, cello, and piano; and Op 40 for horn, violin, and piano. Brahms knew what he was doing: the original wind versions are wonderful. The Bekovas play both with violin, cello, and piano. The alternate all-strings versions just don't compare. (And I'm an amateur violist.)



2 The balance on this recording is very heavy on the piano -- the strings are overwhelmed, and often scarcely audible. They are not supposed to be piano solo pieces."

Bekova Brilliance

Sean Patterson | Westerville, Ohio United States | 08/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to start out by completely disagreeing with John from CA. The "alternate" versions of these trios are completely acceptable for them to perform. The original versions with clarinet and horn may be the main way Brahms intended them to be played, but the alternate versions as they are played here are no less valid. There is nothing wrong with playing the "alternate" versions of any given work. I find it nice to have different versions of works I love, especially the Horn Trio, Op. 40.



As far as the sound quality, again I have to disagree. I'm not sure what kind of stereo John is listening this CD on but on several different players, including my computer, boombox, main stereo (Adcom pre and power amp with a Denon universal player and DCM speakers) and the one in my car, this disc sounds great on all four of them. I almost forgot, it sounds great on an iPod as well. I did not notice the piano being any more forward than the strings on any of these sources. The only critical thing that I can say about this recording is that it is a bit bright at times, but not so harsh as to be distracting.



All in all excellent renditions of Brahms' chamber music!"