The Absolute Sound
“Though renowned for his symphonic works, Sibelius wrote a lot of chamber music too, much of it in his early career, that remains little known. This includes several piano trios from the 1880s that the young composer (an accomplished violinist) wrote to play with his brother and sister. They sound nothing like his mature masterpieces but are nevertheless charming, expertly made, and brimming over with dandy tunes, inventive but always idiomatic and transparent instrumental textures, and a youthful, high-spirited delight in music-making.
Korppoo Trio is the most ambitious and expansive of the three Sibelius trios on Yarlung’s program, coming in at 26 minutes, its fluent, melodic opening allegro interrupted on occasion by stabbing, rather Beethovenian assertions and even a clean-lined fugato at one point, though the overall form is classic in outline and clear as a bell. The second movement unfolds elaborate episodes that delve into Romantic pathos and fantasy, with striking use of high birdcalls and glassy harmonics in the violin (presumably to show off the young composer-violinist’s prowess on his instrument). A vivace rondo finale dances gaily along, bringing the trio to an exhilarating conclusion. Hafträsk Trio is warmer, more relaxed, and closer to Grieg, while the concise Lovisa Trio puts two light-hearted and celebratory allegros around a more emotive andante. All three works, especially as played con amore here by the superb Sibelius Piano Trio, will be immediately appealing to any lover of chamber music, as they most certainly are to yours truly.
The Sibelius Trio plays with absolute technical security and impeccable tonal polish, traversing this large expanse of musical territory without missing a step. Yarlung’s recording, is, as usual, the epitome of sonic realism.”
Mark Lehman
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