Suk Trio - Beethoven and Schubert: Piano Trios (2008)

The Suk Trio is one of the most historically present and enduring piano trios from Czechoslovakia. Although the piano and cello chairs have been filled by several different musicians since the group's formation in 1951, the most historically and musically notable member has always been violinist Josef Suk, grandson of composer Josef Suk and great-grandson of the venerable Antonin Dvorák. This album, featuring the greatest hits of Beethoven's piano trios (numbers 3, 5, and 7) and Schubert's First Piano Trio, was originally recorded in the mid-'60s. The disc's remastered sound is pleasingly clear and clean. Each of the trio's members is exceptionally skilled. Technical execution cannot be faulted; articulation between the strings is abundantly crisp and refined. Intonation is spot-on throughout and balance between the three instruments is well-rehearsed. From a musical perspective, however, the group sometimes falls short. Too often, listeners are given the impression of three independent musicians rather than a single, homogenous ensemble with a unified interpretive vision. The playing is also a bit staid and reserved; fast movements are given unduly conservative tempos and slower movements can become ponderous. With so many recordings of these works available, this particular selection is probably best suited for historical collectors. ~ Mike D. Brownell