England's Joachim Trio - violinist Rebecca Hirsh, cellist Caroline Dearnley, and pianist John Lenehan - had a very strong start in its first volume of Dvorak's four extant piano trios, which included the ebullient "Dumky" Trio. The promise of that earlier recording has happily flourished in this second outing, which includes the lesser-known early trios: the B flat major, written in 1875, and the G minor of 1876. While the Piano Trio No.1 is an unmitigated delight, full of sunshine and colour, the second work is a far more sombre affair. Written following the death of Dvorak's young daughter (and not surprisingly within the same year as his Stabat Mater), the piece embraces a poignant sweetness.
As in their first volume of Dvorak's trios, the Joachims triumph here, conveying palpable excitement and energy throughout. But that enthusiasm doesn't overwhelm: the lyricism that is such an essential element in all of Dvorak's music is here in full force, and the ensemble's beautifully rounded tone should be the stuff of envy for other trios.
CLASSICS TODAY.COM