Beethoven: Complete String

If you were to ask any composer from Mozart to the present, the task they would be most reluctant to tackle would be to write a trio for three stringed instruments.

The string quartet has long been considered to be the 'rite of passage'--the medium in which a composer proves he (or she) has 'chops'--the complete mastery of technique (harmony, counterpoint, voice-leading, etc.)--to write successfully for any combination of instruments .

But the string trio presents a unique challenge. With only three instruments (and six pitches available at any time), one must create a complete sonic universe with all the richness and diversity that will keep a listener entranced from beginning to end of a 20-minute piece. Beethoven evidently was inspired by this challenge and created five early masterpieces for this ensemble that have never been surpassed in their imagination and superb craftsmanship. They are among the best things he ever wrote.

It is an intellectual and sensual pleasure to hear Grumiaux lead his colleagues through these rich musical landscapes. I've always loved his elegant, musical playing (I'm a violinist) and consider him to be the ideal interpreter for this repertoire. His colleagues in the trio are 'molto simpatico' and the ensemble and phrasing are impeccable. Janzer (viola) and Czako (cello) don't quite match Gruimiaux's buttery, seamless sound in their solos, but the overall feeling is one of committed, intense music-making that results in performances that set a bench-mark for future ensembles.

Matthew Naughtin

I have first met withe Grumiaux Trio when I randomly bught vol.12 of Philips' "the best of the complete mozart edition". Now that I kenw I like their playing, I bought "Beethoven: The Complete String Trios". This is a digitally remastered recording from 1967/68. While the sound is not as sharp as in a digital recording, it is remarkably clear and noise free, thus anabeling an enjoyable listening. As for the preformance: The Grumiaux Trio play with happy spirit and joy, making these early beethoven works idial music for the early hours of the day (allthough I admit I'v missed a few sleeping hours, for once I start listening to these CDs I can't stop, no mater how late it gets:) It was noted that some times Arthur Grumiaux's violin, shades the other members of the trio. Great chamber music should be a dialog between equals, even if the violin is the leader. Still this is a wanderfull set of CD's, that i can only recomand.

This is another great recording from the late 1960s re-released on the Philips Duo label at bargain price, they provide an excellent source of the chamber music of Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. The string trio has been a much neglected music form, the only ones of note from this period have been the great Divertimento K563 by Mozart, these 5 from the young Beethoven, and one from Schubert. And they are all fine compositions, very well worth a listen. These from a 20 year old Beethoven are lyrical and joyfull. Despite the age of the recording the sound is very acceptable, and the performance from the Grumiaux Trio is superb.

As this recording is about 40 years old it must be expected that there are better performances available, but I would suggest that you don't worry about that, this one is very very good, and very cheap. Without hesitation, 5 stars.