Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Jean-Claude Pennetier :: Schubert: Piano Trio, Op. 99; Piano Sonata, Op. 120

Endearing Performances of Schubert Chamber and Piano Music

Robin Friedman | Washington, D.C. United States | 05/08/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD to have a fresh reading of Schubert's A major piano sonata, D.664 opus 120 opus 120, which I am studying on the piano. The work receives a beautifully light romantic performance here from the French pianist Jean-Claude Pennetier, (b. 1942), whom I had not known before. In addition to the sonata, this CD includes Schubert's late piano trio in B flat major, opus 99 performed by Pennetier as part of the Paris Trio which includes Regis Pasquier, violin and Roland Pidoux, cello. The trio performs with lyricism and an impeccable French feel for the music. Pennetier is a composer and conductor as well as a soloist and chamber musician. In 2002, he was named a Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur, His two colleagues are equally distinguished. I am surprised this CD is not better known. In addition to beautiful readings of Schubert's music, this CD features a chronology of Schubert's life and two detailed liner notes by Guido Fisher. Fisher's first note gives an overview of both the trio and the sonata while the second note consists of an analysis of the slow movement of the trio. Originally released in 1980, the CD was reissued in 2008.



The initial attraction of the CD was the sonata. I learned a great deal from Pennetier's reading. Schubert's three-movement A major sonata probably dates from 1819 but was published only after his death. Pennetier's reading is elegant, songlike and introspective. He avoids both over-intellectualizing or trivializing this deceptively simple piece. He plays with an unobtrusive, free rubato with an, on the whole, subdued range of dynamics. Pennetier observes Schubert's repeats in the first and third movements. I was most interested in hearing him play the middle movement, marked andante, of this sonata. This movement moves between a sense of great sadnesss and deep consolation which Pennetier captures by his sensitivity to changing rhythms and phrasings. The outer two movements are lyrical with long melodic lines. In Pennetier's reading, the third movement has a playful, dancelike character, with its long runs and many arpeggios. This is an outstanding performance of Schubert's most familiar piano sonata.



The B-flat major piano trio is in four movements and probably dates from 1827-1828. It is frequently performed with its companion piano trio in E-flat major, D.929, which the Paris Trio has recorded on a separate CD. The E-flat major trio is a tragic composition, while this trio in B-flat is triumphant and lyrical. Perhaps Schubert was trying to answer in his own voice Beethoven's famous "Archduke" piano trio in B-flat, opus 97. Robert Schumann aptly said that "One glance at Schubert's trio, and the miserable hustle and bustle of human existence vanishes, the world takes on fresh lustre."



The B flat trio is full of long melodic lines and the joy of making music. It is close to "absolute" music and should not be heard with any programme or story in mind. There is an intricacy in the voices which the Paris Trio captures both in ensemble and in each solo line. There are long melodic passages for each of the three instruments. I especially enjoyed Pidoux' cello. The centerpiece of the work is the second movement, marked Andante un poco mosso. It is music of the utmost simplicity and poignancy with the three instruments playing closely and intimately. The opening movement is an expansive allegro with two lengthy lyrical themes. The scherzo features a lively and rhythmical theme and a contrasting, dancelike trio. The finale is a quick and relaxed rondo. The B flat major trio is first rate chamber music, joyful, lyrical and accessible.



The two works on this CD will be familiar to many lovers of Schubert, but coupling them together is unusual. I enjoyed getting to know Pennetier on the piano and the Paris Trio. This is an altogether winning reading of Schubert chamber and piano music.



Robin Friedman

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