Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56; Piano Trio, Op. 11.(Sound Recording Review)

Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56; Piano Trio, Op. 11. The Eroica Trio, the Prague Chamber Orchestra. EM172435-62655-2.

How do you make beautiful music even more beautiful? You could start by having it played by three exceptionally beautiful people. But beyond the obvious physical appeal of the Eroica Trio's membership--pianist Erika Nickrenz, violinist Adela Pena, and cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio--there is playing of utmost care, fluidity, and sophistication. Performing together since they were children and formalizing their group well over a decade ago, these three artists have perfected their style in a graceful give-and-take of musicianship. Their work with the Triple Concerto is a delight.

The first thing one notices about the performance, however, is not necessarily the easygoing refinement of their presentation, but the fact that they're being accompanied by the Prague Chamber Orchestra. This means a lighter, airier interpretation than one normally hears. Indeed, my being used to hearing the more grandiose Berlin Philharmonic ...