Search - Stefan Muhmenthaler :: Ignaz Lachner: The Six Trios For Violin, Viola (2 CDS)

A Marvellous Introduction to Chamber Music

mijcar | 05/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many lovers of classical music are still unfamiliar with chamber music. They have difficulty listening to the seemingly "sparse" instrumentation and "thin" coloration. If they give themselves a chance, they will learn their objections are based on illusions. Chamber music has depths and qualities that simply cannot be achieved symphonically.A good form for making the transition to the world of chamber music is the piano trio: piano, violin, cello; or (as in the case of this recording) piano, violin, viola. The presence of the piano supplies a more symphonic texture than strings alone would, and is more comforting for many beginning listeners, yet is equally rewarding for mature chamber music lovers.This is not a form with a rich repertoire. Haydn contributed some pleasant music in this genre, but the greatest pieces have been Schubert's incredible Opp. 99 and 100, Brahm's four trios; followed by Dvorak's four trios and Shostakovich's two works of this century.Now we can add to this second list the six trios here by one member of an unjustly neglected musical family of the 1800's, the Lachner family.Ignaz composed in a style reflecting the bright clarity of classicism with the new passion of romanticism. These trios are prime examples of this bridging music, filled with lovely flowing melodies, some so "right" you will immediately think of them as old, valued friends; others so full of life, they will make you want to laugh outloud in pleasure.As I've commented elsewhere when reviewing this family, such recordings seldom stay available for very long. It would be sad to miss the chance of owning this quite reasonably priced set of two disks. The performances are excellent; the music, rare. Give them a chance, while you have the chance, and I predict you will listen to them often."