For a Friday before the Memorial Day weekend, I offer two of Brahms' wonderful piano trios, Op. 87 and Op. 101. This is wonderful music, perfectly written, displaying Brahms' great gift of being able to convey big thoughts within an intimate setting.
The earlier trio is from an Allegro issue, c. 1950, and is performed by the Alma Trio. I was excited, when I found this lp, because it features Roman Totenberg on violin. Totenberg was a founding member of the Alma Trio, serving as violinist from 1943 through 1953. Most know Roman Totenberg for his long time Boston Symphony presence and, in particular, his teaching and instruction of many of this country's finest orchestral violins over a period of 35+ years. In addition, Totenberg, still alive at 99 year of age, is also the father of award winning NPR reporter Nina Totenberg. A very great artist, his playing in Op. 87, along with colleagues Gabor Rejto on cello and Adolph Baller on piano, is direct, faithful, and beautifully paced. Totenberg's tone is sweet and pure. Allowing for mediocre sound quality, you will enjoy this performance.
I have included from a Crossroads lp, the 60's era Suk Trio in Op. 101. Those who are aware of the Suk trio know what to expect; chamber music collaboration without many, if any, peer. Jan Penenka is marvelous on piano and Josef Suk, well, he's just one of the very greatest "musical" violinists of the last century. These artists, as long time collaborators instinctively understand where each is going with the music and respond in kind. An eminently satisfying musical experience.
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