Search - Sarah-Jane Bradley, Marianne Thorsen, Kate Gould (cello) :: Beethoven: Serenade in D Major Op. 8; Trio in E-flat Major Op. 3 - The Leopold Trio

Beethoven's brilliant but neglected String Trios

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 01/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As Beethoven matured as a composer, his music grew more complex in scope, richer in harmonic textures and more intense in its emotional gravity. The late string quartets, piano sonatas and symphonies come to mind. But his earliest music - like these works for string trio - was rich in the balanced forms and pleasurably harmonies of the classical era of Princes and Dukes. Like his early wind (Harmonie) music, the Serenade Op. 8 exudes pure delight for the entertainment of Beethoven's elite patrons. Next to his reluctantly-famous Septet Op. 20, this Serenade for String Trio Op. 8 was one of his most popular early works - as attested by the many transpositions based on it. The Serenade opens and closes with not-too imposing marches that frame a series of regal minuet movements and serene adagios along with a rare Polonaise of great charm. This much admired work was the most frequently performed string trios (of Op. 3, 8, 9) in spite of it being an early "apprentice work" that he used to hone his skills.



Likely modelled after Mozart's grand, six-movement divertimento string trio (K.563), Beethoven's Op. 3 trio is another work of great poise, musical diversity and pure enjoyment. The beautiful adagio movement shows early-on Beethoven's tremendous gifts for composing deeply poetic, serene movements. Yet, even in these most classical, carefree trios, we see signs of Beethoven's individuality and later trait of juxtoposing such soulful, innocent adagios with brusquely interuptions. But these interruptions do not yet possess the anquished tones that would follow later.



The three young women of The Leopold Trio recorded these two trios here (along with the Op. 9 set) in late 1990's at a relatively early age for the group. Yet, there is a fullness, a poise and a real maturity to their readings which imply years of conspiring together. They play this music with just the right amount of intensity and grace for early Beethoven without being trite or overly imposing. Their tone is rich, their ensemble crisp and their phrasings always supremely musical. One highlight of many would be the Adagio of the Op. 8 Serenade in which the octave doubling of violin/viola creates a most astonishing, mysterious effect over a legato cello backdrop.



Not to sound too trivial ... but this CD (and the companion one for Op. 9) is delightfully-rich music that is wonderfully played by the Leopolds. It has become a personal favorite for frequent listening and satisfies both a need for uplifting, pleasant music but with still much to say musically in its textures, intellect and artistry. Further making this CD an attractive purchase are three full pages of excellent liner notes and a pristine sound quality from Hyperion that cannot be faulted in any way. In short, while not the gravity of Beethoven's later works or string quartets, these pieces for string trio are more humble marvels that never cease to delight those who understand their intent and place in history. And The Leopold Trio plays them most skillfully. 5 stars."