Cesar Franck - Piano Trios Vol.2

Cesar FRANCK (1822-1890)

Piano Trios Vol.2

Piano Trios Nos. 2, 3 and 4

The Bekova Sisiters

Elvira Bekova, violin - Alfia Bekova, violoncello - Eleonora bekova, piano

The Bekovas are refined and disciplined performers. The outstanding feature is the extremely delicate piano of Eleonora Bekova. A delight to listen to.(O Estado de São Paulo (Brazil)14 October, 1999) -- (O Estado de São Paulo - Brazil, October 14 1999)

The Bekovas brilliantly capture its full-blooded romanticism and passionate musical language... fine dramatic pacing... technically excellent throughout.(The Strad (Great Britain) October 1999) -- (The Strad - Great Britain, October 1999)

The Bekova sisters, Elvira (violin), Eleonora (piano) and Alfia (cello) have been playing together since childhood in Kazakhstan and after a period of forced separation and persecution in the former Soviet Union are now one of the most celebrated chamber ensembles. "A PR department’s delight: the Bekova Sisters attract more praise- can they do no wrong?" …captioned the review of the Bekovas’ Chandos Tchaikovsky Piano Trio recording in Classic CD of July 1999. Praised for the impeccable suppleness and lilt of their rhythm, spotless intonation, subtle interplay, uncanny unanimity, and exemplary judgement of mood and formal perspective, this recording was one of that magazine’s ‘Choice’ selections. A similar accolade was bestowed by the BBC Music Magazine selection of their Chandos recording of Martinu Trios as a CD of the year in 1998. The Strad Magazine hailed the Bekova CD of Clarke and Ives Trios as its recording of the month in October 2000 and the same disc was one of Gramophone Magazine’s Critics’ Choice for the year 2000. Their recording of the Shostakovich piano trio has been repeatedly regarded as a benchmark performance in Gramophone Magazine and both Martinu recordings were similarly recognised by the same publication in December 2000. The Bekovas are amongst the most recorded of piano trios. In May 1999, Classic CD considered them to be one of the few trios from the current generation who will achieve an enduring reputation in their review of the relative standing of twentieth century piano trios. Gramophone Magazine comments on Bekova recordings include: "Strong, enjoyable, up-front performances from the talented Bekova Sisters."(Grechaninov Trios) "The playing throughout has spirit and dedication."(Martinu Trios) "An account as moving as any and as finely played."(Tchaikovsky Trio) "Stunning"(Clarke/Ives Trios) The Bekovas have performed around the globe since reuniting in London in 1989. Their repertoire includes all the major trios from Haydn to Schnittke as well as having performed and recorded many less familiar works. They have given world premiers as dedicatees of works by David Heath, Michael Finnissy, Steven Gerber, Timur Tleukan and Sergei Zhukov. They have arranged many familiar works for performance by piano trio including Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and Tchaikovsky's The Seasons. Their concert appearances have ranged from solo virtuoso performances through chamber work with other noted musicians such as Gidon Kremer to concerti with orchestras such as the Moscow Philharmonic and the St Petersburg Philharmonic.

All thanks to Thomas who sent me this rip!!