Brahms J. Piano Trio No.2 Op.87, IN A / Guarneri Trio Prague (SACD Hybrid)

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

1.-4. Piano Trio No.2 in C, Op.87 (1881 - 1882)

5.-9. Piano Trio in A, Op.posth (1853 ?)

Guarneri Trio Prague: Ivan Klánský piano, Čeněk Pavlík violin, Marek Jerie cello

The Trio in A, imbued with astonishing juvenile ardour, is obviously the work of a pianist writing for himself in his Sturm und Drang period. Featuring a gushing, overabundant thematic profusion, it is quite close to the style of the first version of the Trio in B, Op.8. The Trio in C appears as a model of balance between great melodic richness and a lofty mastery of form and freedom of inspiration. Here, the Phantasie spirit remains, but a post-Beethovenian vigour gives density to a discourse that is successively meditative, pathetic and rustling 'with nocturnal whispers', coming to a close in full light on a robust peasant dance. Most likely coming from the same pen, probably some thirty years apart, here are an amazing youthful attempt and its

masterful 'fair copy'.

(Praga Digitals)