Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
31	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	1	2	3	4

Beethoven: Complete Piano Trios - Eugene Istomin, Isaac Stern, Leonard Rose (2007)

Posted By: jcampelo

Date: 30 Oct 2010 09:05:00

Beethoven: Complete Piano Trios - Eugene Istomin, Isaac Stern, Leonard Rose (2007)
Classical - Chamber | DVD Video | 2 DVD-9 | Complete Scans | 113mins + 98mins | 13.68 GB | FileServe + FileSonic + Hotfile
MPEG-2 Video | NTSC | 4:3 | 720x480 | 6440 kb/s | 29,97 fps | Label: EMI Classics
English | Dolby Digital | 48000 Hz | PCM, 2ch, 1536 kb/s | RAR 4% Rec

This set is, indeed, complete, including as it does the six standard trios as well as the op. 11 work that Beethoven originally wrote for a clarinet, but later arranged for violin. The performances were, to judge from viewing, given exclusively for video, no audience evidently being present. The third of the op. 1 set and op.11 are in black and white; everything else is color. Throughout, the picture quality is excellent. The mono sound, however, is disappointing for the vintage: somewhat brittle in the piano and shrill in the violin. Much of this can be corrected with good tone controls, however. Prior to filming these performances, this triumvirate recorded studio versions of these works that were widely admired. Nearly all of what is offered here is in the same class: well-organized, vibrant readings attuned to the wit, drama, and lyricism of these remarkable scores. Everything in op. 1 works well, as does the violin version of op. 11. The two trios in op. 70 are, of course, studies in contrast—No. 1 comprising some of the most explosive chamber music that Beethoven ever composed, No. 2 more lyrical and experimental, its eerie opening being a case in point. Both works are impressively played, No.1 (“Ghost”) projected with thrilling energy and spooky delicacy.

In terms of video, the set is essentially ideal. Camera movement is not excessive, and often the three musicians are shown together. Non-performers may discover how a group interacts through visual contact. Moreover, given the many close-ups, string-players may find bowings, fingerings, and positionings instructive. If not for everyone seeking this repertoire, this is, nonetheless, a valuable release.

Works on This Recording

DVD 1

Piano Trio No.1 in E flat major, Op.1 No.1
Filmed in Paris, broadcast 23 January 1972
Piano Trio No.2 in G major, Op.1 No.2
Filmed in Paris, broadcast 14 March 1975
Piano Trio No.3 in C minor, Op.1 No.3
Filmed in Paris, broadcast 12 August 1970
Piano Trio No.4 in B flat major, Op.11
Filmed in Paris, broadcast 2 September 1970
Total: 113:48

DVD 2

Piano Trio No.5 in D major, Op.70 No.1,"Ghost"
Filmed in Paris, broadcast 14 October 1970
Piano Trio No.6 in E flat major, Op.70 No.2
Filmed in Paris, broadcast 4 November, 1970
Piano Trio No.7 in B flat major, Op.97,"Archduke"
Filmed in Paris, broadcast 16 December 1970
Total: 98 :56

Eugene Istomin, piano
Isaac Stern, violin
Leonard Rose, cello

All performances filmed from July to October 1970

Concers 2000s