DvorA¡k - Complete Piano Trios

Dvorák composed four piano trios, and all of them are fine works. The very last, the so-called "Dumky" Trio, has eclipsed the others in popularity, which is a pity, particularly with respect to the Trio No. 3 in F minor. This work, composed at exactly the same time as the Seventh Symphony, is clearly the finest work of its type since Beethoven--and that includes the three trios of Brahms. Perfectly proportioned, emotionally intense, and chock full of incredible tunes, it grabs you from the first note and never lets you go. The Beaux Arts Trio performs all of this music with their customary musicality and expertise, and the "twofer" price in unbeatable. Now try that Trio No. 3--you'll be glad you did. --David Hurwitz Amazon.com essential recording

Get it for the F Minor Trio with all its Soul-Touching Poignancy

Dvorak is famous for the cheerful Czech rhythms that abound so persuasively in his Slavonic Dances of the 1870s. Yet most of these trios temper that cheerful side with a dramatic eloquence that borders on the mournful. Dvorak wrote his G minor trio shortly after the death of his newborn daughter, Josefina, and you can almost feel as if the desperate and frenetic energy in the Scherzo is Dvorak's attempt to bury his grief in the healing salve of his music.

This is not to say that these recordings are outwardly depressing - simply more pensive and meditative than some of his other works. The Dumky is a perfect example. The term Dumky comes from a Czech word roughly translated as "to ponder or brood", and the Dumky ably embodies that mood. The cello often leads with somber rumination before the other instruments join in.

The trio in F minor, however is easily the supernova among all these wonderful trio stars. Now there are many people who praise the Dumky with great gusto without saying a peep about the other trios. Sometimes I want to smack these people, and if you listen to the trio in F minor you'll know what I mean. If you listen you'll notice that the F minor trio is melodically much stronger than the Dumky and much more poignant. Of all the trios, this is the one that embeds itself in the psyche and won't let go.

All in all the primary reason to own this recording is for the lushly expressive F minor work. Additionally, those with a special fondness for the cello will find satisfaction here. Dvorak wrote what is arguably the best cello concerto of all time; but here in these trios, he engages the cello's strengths just as skillfully.
January 25, 2008

Emblematic and desert island choices!

Dvorak's immense talent as composer of chamber works deserve to him, even a major status that most of people tend to estimate. The spirit of eloquency, sheer lyricism and brisky musicality make of this set a true must-have.

Don't miss this set under any pretext.
November 18, 2006

fantastic Recordings!

The beaux arts' performances of these trios, like most recordings of their golden period, wih Cohen and Greenhouse, set a benchmark, for both the technical as well as the emotional depth in the interpritation of chamber music... Their tension and beauty, particularly of Isidore Cohen's distinctive tone, thrills the heart, as much as the ear. December 16, 2005

it just can't be 5 stars

Okay, I have to be honest, I don't own these CDs, though I have listened to them a little, which is what's most important. What I simply must tell to the prospective buyer is that there is one part about 40 seconds into the scherzo of the g minor trio that is absolutely atrocious on the part of the violinist, where he (Isidore Cohen, who for the record I think has a nasty tone in general although many people would disagree) goes flatter and flatter on an upward run landing on the note of the climax of the section about halfway between two pitches! To be quite honest, it's absurd that they didn't do another take, because it's pretty painful, yet entertainingly bad, to listen to. If you can enjoy Isidore Cohen's tone, though, this should be a good buy overall. August 14, 2003

Definitive Performances Of Dvorak's Piano Trios

This is yet another excellent compilation of the great recordings made by the Beaux Arts Trio when its lineup included Isidore Cohen as violinist and Bernard Greenhouse as cellist as well as pianist Menahem Pressler. These are lively, exciting performances replete with warmth and Slavic charm, gracefully played by these exceptional musicians. Of course, the highlight is their exquisite performance of the "Dumky" trio, but the others are equally compelling. This is one of the highlights of my CD collection of Dvorak's music; it should be yours too. December 7, 2001

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