New Classical Tracks: Mendelssohn's Piano Trios

To Emanuel Ax, the idea of working on the Mendelssohn Trios seemed very appropriate. He's always been deeply moved by Mendelssohn's music, particularly the trios. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma agrees, "Mendelssohn was the ideal citizen musician. Our purpose in making this recording was not only to play and share some great music, but also to celebrate Mendelssohn as a model of excellence, generosity and virtuosity, an example of what we should all be striving for as musicians."

Mendelssohn's Piano Trios are considered to be two of his greatest works. They remain as popular with audiences and performers today as they did when they premiered in the mid 19th century. The Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op 49 was written in 1839 and published one year later. During that time, Mendelssohn took the advice of fellow composer Ferdinand Hiller and revised the piano part, making it more lush and romantic.

The piano provides syncopated accompaniment in the first movement as the cello plays the main theme. The violin joins in with a more distorted version of the main theme. These three artists offer a tightly woven, intricate performance of this passionate opening movement. The tranquil second movement is introduced by the piano. The violin then repeats the main theme, and the cello offers a counterpoint melody. We hear Mendelssohn's light, effervescent style throughout this trio, especially in the impish Scherzo. In the hands of Emanuel Ax, Itzhak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma, this playful scherzo becomes a graceful musical exchange. Mendelssohn was a superb pianist who wrote challenging piano parts for his own performance. Emanuel Ax takes on that challenge in the finale movement, turning it into a thrilling experience for the listener.

Mendelssohn's Piano Trio in C minor, Op 66, was dedicated to violinist Louis Spohr, who often performed this work with the composer. The violin takes on a prominent role as it sings out the second theme in the first movement. The second movement, marked Andante espressivo, is an elegant song which closes out with an exquisite duet for violin and cello. The finale includes a solemn chorale. It's a song of death that comes from the Geneva Psalter of 1551, which in turn alludes to Bach's well-known chorale theme, "Vor deinen Thron" (Before Your Throne). The main theme and the chorale unite in the coda, evolving into a glorious hymn.

"What can be better than recording two great trios with old friends who are wonderful musicians?" asks Itzhak Perlman. He had a great time making this recording with his two talented colleagues, Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax. And better yet, while listening to their new release we can hear the joy and the passion in every note.

Gallery

Fullscreen SlideshowPrevious Slide

1 of 1

Next Slide