Piano Trios
Last year EMI started promoting the Capuçon Brothers in collaboration with Martha Argerich and on their own. Here's a very substantial demonstration of their qualities, along with a young pianist who has been generating considerable interest recently. (Unfortunately, there's nothing about the performers in the booklet.) The set runs about 10 minutes too long for one CD, but it's offered at single-disc price. These performers give us a consistent approach to the Brahms Trios: highly poetic, played with emphasis on beauty of sound and phrasing, yet dramatic and powerful enough to keep the music moving along. Angel'sEroica Triooffers only the first two Trios, played in a style which emphasizes power, drama, and contrast, while never slighting the poetry of the music. It's a difficult choice, Angel more exciting, Virgin more songful and more comprehensive. Both are worth owning, but the Eroica's playing may stick longer in your memory.--Leslie Gerber