Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 1 - Brahms: Piano Trio No. 1

Chronique

Ardent but restrained, direct but not unsubtle, strong but not overbearing, the Jalina Trio's debut recording of Mendelssohn's D minor and Brahms' B major trios is always convincing, but not altogether compelling. The Jalina Trio is a superb ensemble with a full tone and a supple technique, all three players are superlative musicians with a clear balance and a sweet blend, and together they give everything they've got to the music. Their performance of the Mendelssohn Trio stresses the drama of the outer movements, the lyricism of the Andante con moto tranquillo, and the energy of the Scherzo. Their performance of the Brahms' Trio brings out the singing lines of the opening Allegro con brio, the powerful rhythms of the Scherzo, the deep-felt tenderness of the Adagio, and the reserved triumph of the closing Allegro. But while the listener is convinced that these are fine performances, the listener is not compelled that these are great works. In his D minor Trio, Mendelssohn is driven, exhilarated, and exalted. In his B major Trio, Brahms is passionate, unrelenting, and overwhelming. And on its debut disc, at least, the Jalina Trio is not quite there yet. Classico's sound is open, rich, and warm.
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