Discover the extraordinary musical prowess of Erich Wolfgang Korngold, a child prodigy who left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. This album, released on Naxos in 2014, showcases Korngold's Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1, a remarkable work completed when the composer was just twelve years old. The trio is a testament to Korngold's early genius, featuring four movements that range from the expressive and lively to the deeply introspective.
Complementing Korngold's trio is Arnold Schoenberg's "Verklarte Nacht" (Transfigured Night), masterfully arranged for piano trio by Eduard Steuermann. This late Romantic masterpiece is a profound exploration of love and redemption, set to a hauntingly beautiful string sextet that has been adapted for the intimate setting of the piano trio.
The album spans a total duration of one hour, offering a rich and varied listening experience. Korngold's Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1 is a journey through the composer's early musical language, characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate counterpoint. The work is divided into four movements: the Allegro non troppo, con espressione; the Scherzo. Allegro. Trio. Viel langsamer, innig. Allegro; the Larghetto, sehr langsam; and the Finale. Allegro molto e energico.
Schoenberg's "Verklarte Nacht" is a single-movement work that tells the story of a couple's struggle to overcome a crisis in their relationship. The music, inspired by a poem of the same name by Richard Dehmel, is a powerful and evocative exploration of the transformative power of love.
This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the early works of Erich Wolfgang Korngold and the late Romantic masterpieces of Arnold Schoenberg. It is a testament to the enduring power of classical music and the genius of these two remarkable composers.
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