George Malcolm Piano Trio - Beethoven: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 3 (2020) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Beethoven’s Op. 1 Piano Trios are startling in their freshness and forcefulness, but there is a lot more to them than that. For one thing, they teem with witty touches, something that is brought out by performances like these, featuring the George Malcolm Piano Trio. “There cannot be a better Op. 1 by any composer, and the George Malcolm Piano Trio conveys the attractions of these two works with skill and intelligence… You could not fail to enjoy this record.” (Original Gramophone review from 1977) Originally released in 1977, the recording is published here on modern technology for the first time, and fittingly in Beethoven 2020 year. These are fresh, bold and musically great performances. The George Malcolm Piano Trio only lasted three years before the trio’s cellist Kenneth Heath died; this is their only recording and is a true testament of a wonderful ensemble partnership, full of verve and humor.

Tracklist:
01. Piano Trio No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: I. Allegro
02. Piano Trio No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: II. Adagio cantabile
03. Piano Trio No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: III. Scherzo. Allegro assai
04. Piano Trio No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 1: IV. Finale. Presto
05. Piano Trio No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: I. Allegro con brio
06. Piano Trio No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: II. Andante cantabile con variazioni
07. Piano Trio No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: III. Menuetto. Quasi allegro
08. Piano Trio No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: IV. Finale. Prestissimo