Good, but not quite top drawer
09/21/1998
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, Tchaikovsky did write a piano trio . . . and here it is coupled with the inventive Arensky trio, his opus 32. If you have never heard the Tchaikovsky trio before, you are in for a treat. Listen to the work a few times, and the melodies will stick in your ear, and you'll wonder how you had gotten along not knowing them. This performance is beautifully recorded by the Naxos engineers. The piano playing by Ashkenazy (that's Vovka, not Vladimir) is understated and elegant. But one could wish for a bit more attack and attention to phrasing from both the violinist and the cellist. In comparison to the old vinyl recording by the Beaux Arts Trio (Philips 6500132), these deficiencies become more evident. Perhaps additional rehearsal time would have been helpful. Nevertheless, this is a highly listenable recording--and sure to please."