Search - Maurice Ravel, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Artur Rubinstein :: Artur Rubinstein Collection, Vol 25

The Million Dollar Trio

Sean Patterson | Westerville, Ohio United States | 08/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is unfortunate that the "Million Dollar Trio" couldn't have gotten along better, for truly their collaborations produced sheer magic. The story behind this is in the liner notes of the enclosed booklet. It seems that Heifetz was wondering why the marquees and liner notes on their records always read, "Rubinstein, Heifetz, and Piatigorsky". Rubinstein replied that it was customary to list the pianist, violinist, and then cellist in that order. Heifetz swore he had seen it differently and ended up pushing Rubinstein to the edge when he finally snapped and yelled, "Jascha, even if God were playing the violin, it would still read Rubinstein, God, and Piatigorsky!" Great stuff. I am not a Ravel fan, as such, but when I heard his piano trio performed by Rubinstein, Heifetz, and Piatigorsky I appreciate his compositional style all the more. The tonal colors brought out by the trio are simply unique, unlike any piano trio I have ever heard. The Tchaikovsky trio I had heard performed by session musicians on a budget label and never really grew attached to the piece. But once again, The Million Dollar Trio convinced me of the charm of this piece. It is now something I enjoy listening to! The recording of these two works date from 1950, but the mono sound is not nearly as bad as I have heard from other labels. Don't let the mono recording scare you off, these pieces are worth having even in slightly less than perfect sound quality. If you like chamber music, you won't be disappointed."

The Ravel Trio in a minor is absolutely gorgeous, but the ce

Theophilus | Ohio, U.S. | 11/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love Ravel's Trio in a minor because it is so breathtaking. Although Maurice Ravel sticks to motifs which are only few in number, the charisma with which Rubinstein and Heifetz play make this work beautiful. It is exciting throughout, and the last movement is powerful.



I wish Piatigorsky would play a little louder because I cannot hear him well over the forcefulness of the other two.



Lastly, the fact on the CD cover that Rubinstein plays with a completely open piano on a full stick is interesting. Dont you think a half-stick would be more appropriate for chamber music?"