Search - Frank Bridge, Bernard Roberts Piano Trio :: Frank Bridge: Phantasy Trio in C minor; Piano Trio No. 2; Miniatures

The English composer Frank Bridge (1879-1941) is best known today as the teacher of Benjamin Britten. This is an injustice. Bridge was a skillful, prolific composer, at home in many forms but especially in chamber music, and he was highly regarded by both his fellow musicians and the public. Of the works on this record, the one-movement "Phantasy Trio" is the strongest. Consisting of several contrasting sections and full of ardently romantic, flowing melodies, it ranges from highly dramatic to rhapsodically lyrical, fleet, and serene, and ends in triumphant C-major. The four-movement "Trio No. 2" is more substantial and harmonically unconventional, but less varied and concise. The four "Miniatures" are charming character pieces. Bridge wrote nine of them for a family of three sisters, one of whom was his violin pupil, and indeed the easiest ones are often played by students. It is a pleasure to hear them performed by this excellent trio, which is also a family affair: pianist Bernard Roberts and his sons, violinist Andrew and cellist Nicholas. The brothers' intonation is impeccable, their tone homogeneous and beautiful even in the many stratospheric passages. The playing is warm and expressive, but always elegant and restrained. --Edith Eisler