Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Felix Mendelssohn with "Mendelssohn - The Piano Trios; Variations Concertantes," a captivating album released on October 2, 2006, under the Onyx Classics label. This exquisite collection showcases Mendelssohn's mastery of chamber music, featuring his two renowned piano trios and the Variations Concertantes for cello and piano.
The album opens with the Trio for Piano, Violin, and Violoncello No. 1, Op. 49, a work that exudes energy and passion from its opening notes. The first movement, "Molto allegro ed agitato," sets the stage for a journey through Mendelssohn's rich musical landscape. The second movement, "Andante con moto tranquillo," offers a moment of respite with its serene and tranquil melodies. The playful "Scherzo, Leggiero e vivace" and the intense "Finale, Allegro assai appassionato" complete this captivating quartet of movements.
The second trio, Op. 66, continues the exploration of Mendelssohn's genius. The "Allegro energico e con fuoco" bursts with vitality, while the "Andante espressivo" provides a deeply expressive contrast. The "Scherzo, Molto allegro - quasi presto" and the "Finale, Allegro appassionato" bring the trio to a thrilling conclusion.
The album concludes with the Variations Concertantes for Cello and Piano, Op. 17, a work that highlights Mendelssohn's virtuosic writing for the cello. The Nash Ensemble, featuring Marianne Thorsen, Paul Watkins, and Ian Brown, delivers performances that are both technically brilliant and deeply expressive, capturing the essence of Mendelssohn's compositions.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical masterpieces that will delight both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to Mendelssohn's music. The Nash Ensemble's performances are praised for their clarity and sympathetic interpretation, making this album a standout in any classical music collection.
Vinylscout