Classical Music: Beethoven - Triple Concerto

Beethoven - Triple Concerto

Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Folk Songs (a selection of English, Welsh & Scottish folk songs); Londonderry Air 'Farewell to Cucullain' (Arr. Kreisler for Violin, Cello & Piano)

Nicola Benedetti violin, Benjamin Grosvenor piano, Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello

The Philharmonia Orchestra
Conductor Santtu-Mathia Rivali

Decca 4854624

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As a reviewer, I listen a number of times to a performance before I make a judgement. After all, as a reader of these weekly columns, you want a mix of subjective and objective opinions.

It is becoming increasingly common these days that as musicians create the very best sound worlds, one often comes across an interpretation and performance that is so magical and superlative that it is difficult to find criticism, and you wonder if you are doing the reader justice by constantly writing outstanding reviews.

This is a case in point: a truly exceptional and wonderful disc from a trio of terrific musicians, who delve into the intricacies of Beethoven's pleasant and satisfying work.

When you have the quality of Nicola Benedetti on violin and Benjamin Grosvenor on piano, joined by Sheku Kanneh-Mason on cello, it is going to be excellent.

Santtu-Mathia Rivali conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra, and together they create a glorious accompaniment.

The interplay between the trio is marvellous, with Benedetti providing a delightful and often light violin part with Grosvenor superbly and deftly accompanying. All three have a chemistry that lifts the music and therefore the soul.

The second movement brings Kanneh-Mason to the fore in a wonderful resonant and full tone with a charismatic brilliance and intensity that is expressive in its intensity. Beautifully interpreted, maybe a little indulgent, but the melody sings throughout, the listener rising with every shape he creates and Grosvenor complementing in a way that crystal shines in sunlight.

The Rondo is another example of how the trio of players' empathy shines through the lovely colour with an energy that Rouvali has control over.

This would be fine on its own, but there is more in a selection from Beethoven’s many arrangements of Scottish, Welsh, and Irish folk songs, performed by another stellar performer, Gerald Finlay. It is an intriguing addition that the quartet of players is once again demonstrating a superb rapport, and it is the harmonious relationship between the musicians throughout that makes this disc so attractive.

The disc ends with a rather sentimental rendition between Benedetti, Grosvenor, and Kanneh-Mason, of the Londonderry Air.

Returning to my introduction, this is a dazzling display of virtuosic technical ability captured with impressive recording engineering; totally compelling. I wholeheartedly recommend this recording and hope there are many more to follow.