Dvořák, Fibich and Martinů: Piano Trios

Albumbeschreibung

The Smetana Trio continued its survey of Czech piano trios with this 2007 Supraphon disc coupling works by Antonin Dvorák, Bohuslav Martinu, and Zdenêk Fibich. As with the earlier discs in this series, the Smetana performs with equal measures of independence and interdependence. Each player has his/her own approach to the music and to the instruments. Violinist Jana Vonáskova-Nováková and cellist Jan Pálenícek don't always agree on the size of their vibratos, for example, and pianist Jitka Cechová doesn't always agree with string players on the inflection of rhythmic accents. But they are all entirely unified in their ensemble and never seem in any danger of going off the rails. More importantly, they are wholly united in their interpretations. The Dvorák Trio sounds warmly lyrical, the Fibich hotly dramatic, and the Martinu coolly modernist, but with a central Andante of deeply moving melancholy. Superbly recorded by producer Petr Vit, this disc will charm and delight fans of Czech piano trios and anyone else who enjoys great chamber music playing.
It should be noted that this Smetana Trio is not the original Smetana Trio. The original Smetana Trio was founded in the '30s by pianist Josef Pálenícek, violinist Alexandr Plocek, and violoncellist Frantisek Smetana. This Smetana Trio was founded in 2003 by Pálenícek's cello-playing son.

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