Beethoven for Three

Beethoven: Symphony No. 4; Piano Trio Op. 97 ‘Archduke’

Yo-yo Ma (cello), Leonidas Kavakos (violin), Emanuel Ax (piano)

Sony Classical 19658881642 74:43 mins

Forget tea for two, the tagline to remember is Beethoven for three. Mind you, it’s the number four that looms large in this latest album in a Beethoven series from superstar trio Yo-yo Ma, Emanuel Ax and Leonidas Kavakos. I’m talking about the Fourth Symphony, arranged here by Shai Wosner.

Of course, hearing a trio version is a different experience to hearing a full orchestra, but it’s hard not to enjoy the sheer generosity of this trio’s playing and the level of detail they bring to the score, which works surprisingly well for these forces. If the slow introduction is not quite as suspenseful as it might be, the trio makes up for it with the bulk of the Allegro vivace opening movement. There’s a lovely balance between the instruments, recorded quite close up, and the whole spirit and energy of the music-making is optimistic and ebullient. In the second movement, it’s the line and phrasing that are telling. As the melody sails forth over its ostinato accompaniment, there’s a sense of being able to see both the serene swan and its underwater paddling. Bursting off the starting blocks, the Allegro vivace is deliciously playful, while the finale scurries with nimble glee.

The symphony is paired with the ‘Archduke’ Trio, written five years or so later for the composer’s benefactor, Archduke Rudolf of

Austria (see ‘Background To’, p95). Nobility infuses its expansive opening movement, and the players bring a sparkling elegance to the Scherzo. The Andante cantabile is all serenity, though it doesn’t quite reach the profound realms it can. To wrap it up, the Allegro moderato trots along happily, if a touch steadily. Rebecca Franks

PERFORMANCE

RECORDING