Search - Mozart, Mozartean Players :: Piano Trios 2

The Spirit of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 06/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now here's a fabulous little gem CD for both the classical collector or listeners just learning about classical music. Mozart's compositions for the piano trio brim with delicacy, vibrancy and that effervescent, Mozartian keyboard style that lilts along without a care in the world.



During the era of Mozart in places like Vienna, compositions for piano trio were very popular for home music-making with the new fortepiano instrument that was steadily replacing the harpichord of Bach and the Baroque era. In these compositions, Mozart wrote the keyboard part for the short-decay, drier sound of the simple fortepiano of his time (which lacked a sustaining pedal that would arrive later in his life) as compared to the modern grand.



As such this music sounds great on such a period instrument as used by Steven Lubin and seems to embody the essence of Wolfgang Amadeus himself - at least more than a grand. Where in the piano concertos a humble fortepiano can get buried in volume by the orchestra compared to a Steinway grand (eg: Malcon Bilson & The English Baroque Solists's recording on DG), the period fortepiano's refined, 'pingy' sound here is all charm and in ideal balance.



Lebin is one of the great period players and brings a fabulous sound and spirit to this upbeat music. Additionally, cellist Lutzke and violinist Ritchie match Lubin's galante expressions and classical flair with just the right shadings and highlights. Their intonation is excellent as well. What's there not to like with such uplifting music played so well? A winner CD at a nice bargin price. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound quality - 4.5 stars."