Brahms: Piano Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87

The four piano trios and the first of the three piano quartets cover a large part of the career of Johannes Brahms, from the youthful convulsions of the Trios op.8 and op. posth. (dating from 1854) to the masterpiece of late Romantic literature constituted by op.101 of 1886. A repertoire that is naturally close to the hearts of the Wanderer Trio.

The Capuçon brothers have over a relatively short space of time become acknowledged as leading chamber-music players. For their new recording of Brahms they are joined by the pianist Nicholas Angelich. The piano trios are firm favourites of the repertoire and as such have been recorded by a number of the world’s finest players. The Capuçons bring fresh insight to these familiar through their innate musicianship and the bonding that comes from regularly performing the pieces together.

A compelling release, featuring two composers with very different styles. Brahms’s Piano Trio in C follows his sonata pattern with the thick texture having all the hallmarks of strong emotionality, which gives the music its dramatic and lofty character. A sense of drama and high emotion are also the key features of the Piano Trio in D by Arensky. This recording marks the debut CD for this young and vibrant Trio, founded in 1997, and taking active part in concert life in Poland and abroad.

The trio in A, imbued with astonishing juvenile ardour, it's obviously the work of a pianist writing for himself in his Sturm und Drang period. Featuring a gushing overabundant thematic profusion, it is quite close to the style of the first version of the trio in B, Op. 8.

The Trio in C appears as a model of balance between great melodic richness and a lofty mastery of form and freedom of inspiration. Here, the Phantasie spirit remains, but a post-Beethovian vigour gives density to a discourse that is successively meditative, pathetic and rustling 'with nocturnal whispers', coming to a close in full light on a robust peasant dance. Most likely coming from the same pen, probably some 30 years apart, a youthful attempt and its masterful 'fair copy'.

Having advanced to the top pf young piano trio ensembles, the Morgenstern Trio now presents its first record.

In 2005 Catherine Klipfel (piano), Nina Reddig (violin) and Emanuel Wehse (violoncello) met at the Folkwang Hochschule Essen. In 2007 the Trio won 1st Price at the Haydn-Competition in Vienna, the 2nd Price at Melbourne-Competition and the 2nd Price (combined with the Audience Award) at the ARD-Musikwettbewerb in Munich, three of the most prestigious international competitions for piano trio.

Combining the modern with the traditional, poetic grace with a craftsman’s touch, lyric beauty and earthiness—not only Robert Schumann heard all this in the music of Brahms more than150 years ago, but lovers of classical music can also hear these same qualities today on the most recent GENUIN CD release featuring the Munich Piano Trio: beginning with one of the most lovely cello themes in the history of music (Trio in B major, Op. 8), then the haunted strains of the B major trio's scherzos and the later C major trio’s pale hues, culminating in the effervescent finale of the C major trio. The three chamber music partners invoke long arching lines effortlessly: the ensemble’s technical perfection— the fruit of long experience—is impressive, and the listener is touched by the youthful magic radiated by each and every singing note. Masterfully performed—an hour of musical magic!

Recent concert performances have produced excellent reviews. “Musical delicacies, which create a tasteful, elegant and transparent tonal picture, distinguish the three musicians. This was especially clear through their tremendously exciting rendition of Brahms` Piano Trio in B Major” Berliner Morganpost

It has taken less than five years for the Storioni Trio to become regarded as one of the major Trios performing on the concert platform today. Engagements have included performances at the Carnegie Hall, New York and the Wigmore Hall, London. Future engagements include performances in the USA and China. Their previous recordings of Beethoven and Schubert both received excellent reviews.