Search - Reinecke, Fuchs, Belcanto Strings :: String Trio C Min Op 249 / String Trio a Maj Op 94

MORE THAN WORTHY REVIVALS

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 03/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although not the most inspired music from the Romantic period, the string trios of century-crossover composers Carl Reinecke [1824-1910] and Robert Fuchs [1847-1927] are, nonetheless, pleasing, beautiful works.



Reinecke, probably best known for his four piano concertos, and Fuchs, virtually nothing, until recent interest unearthed a few compositions of substantial merit (e.g. cello sonatas, a clarinet quintet, string quartets), were both active teachers and composers whose works were performed and well-received in their lifetimes. Mendelssohn admired Reinecke, as did Schumann; Fuchs, as well, had no less than Brahms as a champion. Yet, time played them cruelly, and oblivion washed over their names.



The Trio, Op. 249 [1898] by Reinecke is more than simply attractive; it is memorable and often amazingly original. The brooding Allegro moderato opening movement attests vividly to this, as does the particularly lovely Andante, the quirky, two minute Intermezzo, with its broad string gestures, and the lush concluding Adagio/Allegro, unique in its emotional slow/fast interplay. The Fuchs Op. 94 Trio [1910] is similarly rewarding, its autumnal ambience paying homage to the composer's friend and mentor, especially in the first movement's Brahmsian complexity. The "Schottisches Volkslied" variations that form the ten minute second movement are fetching, indeed, and inventive, which makes the moody Menuetto that follows that much more striking. And, like Reinecke, Fuchs surprises us by concluding his trio with an Adagio/Allegretto movement, thoroughly delightful.



No qualms about the fine, warm playing of the Belcanto Strings, whose simpatico is obvious, or the excellent recording given them.



[Running time: 56:43]"

Rich sound, so-so music

Evan Wilson | Cambridge, MA | 07/05/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Good luck finding three string player who produce as rich and luscious a sound as the Belcanto Strings do on this CD. Wow! I'm just bowled over by the beautiful sounds one hears here, even when they're playing pianissimo. One can buy this disc just to wallow.Sadly, from a musical standpoint wallowing is about all one can do. These pieces are certainly not badly crafted or bad-sounding, as they wind their way through the conventions of late Romanticism. They're simply not terribly memorable. The Reinecke has a pleasant stuttering Andante and a finale that builds from a rich Adagio to a pleasant Allegro. The Fuchs has a nice set of variations on a Scottish folk tune. Sadly, however, I found my attention wandering from time to time.Still, one doesn't get out-of-the-way fare like this too often, so if you're in the mood for lavish string sounds, this might float your boat. I certainly intend to play it from time to time when I want to relax after a hard day."