Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn
Performer: Guarneri Trio Prague
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Praga
Catalogue: PRD250423
Release: 2023
Size: 1.16 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Piano Trio No. 39 in G major, Hob.XV:25 ‘Gypsy’
01. I. Andante
02. II. Poco adagio
03. III. Rondo all’Ongarese (Presto)
Piano Trio No. 44 in E Major, Hob.XV:28
04. I. Allegro moderato
05. II. Allegretto
06. III. Finale. Allegro
Piano Trio No. 17 in F major, Hob.XV:2
07. I. Allegro
08. II. Menuetto
09. III. Finale. Theme and variations. Adagio
Piano Trio No. 40 in F sharp minor, Hob.XV:26
10. I. Allegro
11. II. Adagio cantabile
12. III. Tempo di minuetto
Piano Trio No. 26 in C minor, Hob.XV:13
13. I. Andante
14. II. Allegro spiritoso
This release marks the 35th anniversary of the Guarneri Trio Prague, and the group members say they picked Haydn for the occasion because of the festive quality of his music. Not everything here is festive; the Piano Trio in F sharp minor, Hob. 15/26, is on the melancholy side, but the idea is generally valid. The Guarneri Trio Prague is not a household name, but chamber groups have rarely lasted so long, and the group has released superb recordings that stand up to rehearings years later. This may well become one of them. The five trios recorded here all come from the late-middle and late periods of Haydn’s career and qualify as genuine piano trios. They differ substantially in structure and mood, but they receive a consistent, confident approach from the Guarneri Trio. Hear the opening Piano Trio in G major, Hob. 15/25, known as the “Gypsy” trio with its Hungarian verbunkos finale. This is one of Haydn’s most popular chamber works, and it would seem hard to improve on what previous trios have done, but the lithe, confident playing of the group at the very least, comes close. The players take quick tempos and execute them without a hitch, and they have the indefinable grasp of humor and of the unexpected that makes Haydn performances work. A fitting celebration.