Anton Arensky - Piano Trios Nos.1 and 2

Anton ARENSKY (1801-1906) 

Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 

The Borodin Trio

Anton Arensky belongs to that group of Russian composers who were students of Rimsky-Korsakov at the St Petersburg Conservatory during 1870s and 1880s. Arensky was invited to teach harmony and counterpoint in Moscow Conservatory. Among his students were Rachmaninov, Scriabin and others.

Arensky wrote two trios for piano, violin and cello: Op. 32 & Op. 73. Trio No. 1 is a wonderful piece and rather well known as being the best-known chamber work of Arensky.

The 2nd one has remained virtually unknown. This is very unfair. It has a dark mood main theme which I loved. The second movement is a beautiful 'Romance' which they say is in the style of Chopin. The third movement is a virtuosic 'scherzo'. The last movement is a 'variations' and it ends with a return to the main theme at the beginning.

This CD is very valuable since it has both trios together. Borodin Trio performs excellent. I have listened to Trio No. 1 by 'The Nash Ensemble' as well which they have also performed equally well but the sound of Borodin Trio appealed to me better.

Chamber Music lovers should not miss this CD.