Search - Arensky, Beaux Arts Trio :: Piano Trios

Sheer Loveliness

11/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The notes to this recording suggest some possible influences in Arensky's First Trio: Rimsky-Korsakov, Arensky's teacher; Tchaikovsky, his friend and mentor; and Mendelssohn, Trio No. 1, also in D minor, has a first movement with a similar melodic contour. I hear Schumann, the Trio No. 1 (again in D minor). For Arensky's less popular Trio No. 2, the most obvious influence is Tchaikovsky, right down to the variation-form last movement reminiscent of Tchaikovky's sole work for trio. Perhaps Arensky's music doesn't have the individuality we expect from a major composer, but there is no denying it is gorgeous. And I must concur with David Brown, the author of the notes to this recording: Arensky's Second Trio shows a conspicuous advance on the First. In fact, I'm surprised it isn't much the more popular. No matter, both works deserve to be heard--often--in recital. Till then, here is a wonderful way to experience them. The Beaux Arts Trio gives lush, large-scale, beautifully played performances of both pieces in an equally lush and large-scale recording. This is heart-on-the-sleeve music and music making, but sometimes you need just that to make it through the day."