Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Complete Piano Trios
Trio Parnassus
rec. 1990, Historischer Reitstadel, Neumarkt/Opf, Germany
MDG 102 2398-2 [2 CDs: 138]
MDG’s ‘Preziosa’ series is something of an exercise in nostalgia, presenting early recordings from the label that have important significance for Werner Dabringhaus accompanied by some anecdotes that provide contact around the production process for each re-release. Trio Parnassus had by the time of this release already made some recordings of less well-known repertoire, and with the ensemble frequently playing Mozart’s piano trios in concert there was popular demand for a complete edition from this trio. The newly restored “Manfred Bürki” Steinway concert grand piano from 1901 was an important element in these performances, and its fine sound is an essential part of the delightful transparency encountered here.
Mozart’s pre-1790 piano trios mark a turning point in this genre, from sonata-style works with optional instruments doubling material from the piano part to one in which all of the instruments have independence and become essential to a complete performance. The fine balance in these recordings indeed gives equality to each instrument, with the nuances from each player captured in the perfect resonance of the historic equestrian hall in Neumarkt.
The programme listing on the booklet has the first work in the programme listed as KV 503, which is a typo as this is one of Mozart’s more famous piano concertos. This minor caveat does however serve to remind us of how close these more modest chamber works are in their dates of composition to some of his best-known masterpieces.
This Mozart set with Trio Parnassus joins a not inconsiderable catalogue of widely admired recordings, including trios by Beethoven (review) and Hummel. There are of course other complete editions of Mozart’s Piano Trios that collectors might be aware of. These include Trio Stradivari on the CPO label (review) with original instruments and a somewhat ‘clangy’ fortepiano which is very different and therefore not really in direct competition. Then there is the admirable Florestan Trio on Hyperion (review and review), and Trio Fontenay on Warner Classics (review) which is charming but with a more intense string sound. The Naxos label also has a very good set of these pieces with the Kungsbacka Trio, but Trio Parnassus is to my ears the equal of any of this competition. Their playing is athletic and dynamic, unpretentious and sensitive, with all of the refinement you could hope for while avoiding over-respectful artifice. This is communicative entertainment in the best way, and a recording in which you can revel and bathe warmly from start to finish.
Dominy Clements
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