Classical Music: Beethoven For Three, Volume 4

Beethoven for Three
Symphony No. 1 (Op. 21); 'Gassenhauer' (Op. 11) 'Ghost' (Op. 70, No. 1) piano trios
Emanuel Ax (piano), Leonidas Kavakos (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello)
Sony Classical 19802908842

Where have I been? I've missed the previous three albums in this series, which is unfortunate because if they are all as good as this fourth instalment in the Beethoven for Three cycle, I have clearly missed a trick.

On each album, these consummate musicians perform a Beethoven symphony transcribed by Shai Wosner, and on this disc it is the Maestro's First that receives their attention. It is quite remarkable how three players can replicate Beethoven's orchestral score—or rather, capture its spirit, which they do supremely well.

Such beautiful and delicate playing ensures that all the nuances and vibrant colours emerge with luminous clarity. Wosner's transcription proves sympathetic to the original, and through judicious phrasing and wonderful dynamics, this chamber version works superbly well. Everything is here.

The Ghost Trio, Op. 70 No. 1, continues to showcase the superlative playing, as the trio's shaping creates the emotional pull that this work demands. To conclude their recital, the trio performs the 'Gassenhauer' Trio, originally scored for clarinet, cello, and piano. It falls to Kavakos to take on the clarinet part, which he does with conspicuous success. The performance is nothing less than outstanding—sensitive and expressive, with every detail of the score emerging with remarkable freshness. The articulation is crystal clear, the virtuosity brilliant.

Everything about this release amounts to joyful bliss: a warm halo of sound in which the obvious chemistry between these three outstanding players shines through, captured beautifully by the engineers.

Nearly 80 minutes of pure wonder and exquisite musicianship.