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The Beethoven Trios for Clarinet, Piano and Cello

Robert W. Jones | Tucson, AZ USA | 07/28/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"According to one dictionary of music, the Opus 11 Trio "has nothing to recommend it," but I think that this is an unnecessarily harsh estimate and probably most listeners will disagree. The brilliant voice of the clarinet is used effectively especially in the opening movement marked allegro con brio. In the alternately sweet and passionate Adagio there is a charming group of solo lines stated first by the cello and passed next to the clarinet. The familiar theme of the finale "Pria ch'io l'impegno" is stated first by the piano and followed exuberantly by the clarinet. The Op. 38 Trio is a rearrangement of the earlier Septet for Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass, which is one of the most famous and respected chamber works of Beethoven. I enjoy very much also this Trio version and recommend it highly as a companion to the Septet in any collection. The performances are confident and convincing. The acoustics are lively giving the recording a strong sonic presence. If there is a shortcoming it is that the cello level is low compared to the clarinet and piano, but perhaps this is inevitable given the brilliance of these two voices. Consequently the pieces sometimes come across as clarinet-piano duets with cello continuo with notable exceptions in the Adagio of Op. 11 (already mentioned) and the Scherzo of Op. 38. These are the two Trios composed by Beethoven for clarinet, piano, and cello. They are very often, perhaps more often than not, performed and recorded with a violin substituted for the clarinet part, for the natural reason that they are then in the instrumentation of the traditional trio for piano, violin, and cello. But it is appropriate that at least the first purchased recording of specifically these Trios be the clarinet version. Accordingly, this recording is a good pairing and a good choice. In any case, the price is such a bargain that it is impossible to make a big mistake."

Not Bad for the Price

JohnL | Alexander, NC United States | 12/17/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These two trios of Beethoven are enjoyable to listen to and generally well-performed. The Op.11 Trio was written between 1797 and 1798. The work has that appealing lyrical style of many of Beethoven's fairly early works. The Adagio is very nice. The Op.38 Trio is a re-working (by the composer himself) of the justly popular Septet, Op.20. This arrangement is also pleasing, with all the melodies intact from the earlier version of about five years previous. The recording quality here is fairly decent. This is certainly worth the very enjoyable price."