The Trio Fontane, one of Switzerland’s most exciting young ensembles, here presents a programme spanning the Classical, Romantic and Modern eras. Beethoven’s tempestuous, early Piano Trio in c minor op. 1 No. 3 so exploded the bounds of the genre that his teacher Haydn advised him not to publish it. Smetana’s superb Trio in g minor, inspired by the tragic death of the composer’s young daughter, found an early advocate in Franz Liszt. And Hans Schaeuble’s Piano Trio was one of the last works written by one of Switzerland’s most successful composers of the mid-20th century, whose music is both modern and yet accessible.
"The members of Trio Fontane give an immensely impressive reading of the Beethoven. The instruments are well balanced and the players interactive as thoroughbred chamber musicians. Tempos are ideal in all four movements and the collective interpretation is searching, sensitive and meaningful, not least in terms of dynamic contrasts, phrading and clarity,quite obviously the musicians have thought long and prepared assiduously... The recording is excellent in its tonal naturalness and blance..."
Colin Anderson - International Record Review - December 2012
