This page lists all recordings of Piano Trio No. 2, by Frank Bridge (1879-1941) on CD & download (MP3 & FLAC). Generally, more recent releases are listed first, but with priority given to those that are in stock. |
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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Bridge - Piano Trios
Jack Liebeck (violin), Alexander Chaushian (cello) & Ashley Wass (piano) Frank Bridge’s reputation as the teacher of his most famous student, Benjamin Britten, has long hindered appreciation of his own impeccably crafted music. Between the early Phantasie Trio (1907) and Miniatures (1908) and the masterful Piano Trio No. 2 (1928-29), Bridge developed from being a pupil of Stanford to becoming a composer whose music — by turns graceful, nocturnal and vigorous — pointed towards the future. “Frank Bridge's two piano trios make a natural coupling. The 1907 Phantasie Trio is a prime example of the ruggedly mellifluous chamber style of his early years… The much larger Trio No. 2 (1928-29), on the other hand, is an austere, haunted masterpiece in his later idiom... The players on this new disc, including noted Bridge specialist Ashley Wass as pianist, understand these widely divergent idioms perfectly, and display some superb ensemble playing: their account of the Molto allegro of Trio No. 2 - at once feather-light and sinister - is nothing other than a joy to hear.” BBC Music Magazine, March 2009 ***** “…the masterpiece here is the epic Second Piano Trio of 1929, one of Bridge's most cogent, questing and durable utterances, whose radical language so bamboozled the largely conservative British critics of the period. Wass and company lend it exhilarating advocacy in a realisation of enviable security, unswerving concentration and burning conviction. Tip-top production values from Andrew Walton and exemplary notes by Andrew Burn set the seal on an irresistible bargain.” Gramophone Magazine, April 2009 “These are important and fascinating discs, which anyone interested in 20th-century British music should hear.” The Guardian, 22nd May 2009 **** “How encouraging to see Ashley Wass branching into Bridge's chamber output – and with such gifted colleagues, too. This Naxos version of the adorable, Cobbett Prize-winning Phantasie Trio is an adroit and boldly characterised affair. The three sets of Miniatures probably date from the following year and comprise nine exquisitely crafted and tuneful morsels originally intended for domestic use. They're best dipped into rather than played at one stretch, but all are dispatched with sizzling panache and evident relish by these elegant performers.
Of course, the masterpiece here is the epic Second Piano Trio of 1929, one of Bridge's most cogent, questing and durable utterances, whose radical language so bamboozled the largely conservative British critics of the period. Wass and company lend it exhilarating advocacy in a realisation of enviable security, unswerving concentration and burning conviction. Tip-top production values and exemplary notes set the seal on an irresistible bargain.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010 | | | (also available to download from $6.00) | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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"Frank Bridge is known almost entirely by his early works such as the Piano Quartet Phantasy. To those who know only this period of his work, the later pieces must seem like those of another composer. The earlier works are tonal, and harmonically direct, the melodies clear and strong, the rhythm if not square, then rather regular. The later works have no clear keys, the melodies have a curious conversation-like character the rhythms are usually irregular, and definite rhythmic patters are rare. But to those familiar with all his works the connection between the two periods is clear — the seed of the later work is in the earlier — stemming from a desire to say more personal and subtler things. They can be difficult at first to follow, apart of course from the invariable fascination of the sound, the conversational melodies can be difficult to recognise, but the drama and tensions (are) easy to feel." Benjamin Britten, 1955 “Frank Bridge's exploratory late chamber works can sound reticent, elusive in performance. Not here: fire, drama and intense fantasy abound, but there's no lack of refined control or shaping intelligence. Excellent recordings, Strongly recommended.” BBC Music Magazine, March 2008 ***** | | | This item is currently out of stock at the UK distributor. You may order it now but please be aware that it may be six weeks or more before it can be despatched. |
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Recorded at the Aldeburgh Festival 1962 “Three masters in concert, producing a compelling version of the Bridge trio.” Gramophone Magazine | | | (also available to download from $10.50) | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. (Available now to download.) |
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The Dartington Piano Trio 'Playing of exceptional eloquence and sensitivity. The Hyperion recording is altogether superb, in the demonstration bracket' (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs) | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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