The all-star chamber ensemble can go wrong; chamber music is done best by groups whose members know each other well and evolve a specific kind of ensemble over time. This one, however, works just fine. For one thing, violinist
Joshua Bell
, cellist
Steven Isserlis
, and pianist
Jeremy Denk
have played together for some years, and they issued a fine recording of
Brahms
several years back. What's more, they make up an unusually satisfying trio stylistically.
Denk
is perhaps the least well-known of the three, although his profile has been raised in the U.S. by intelligent essays on music written for mainstream outlets. His approach is sober and exploratory, and it contrasts wonderfully with
Bell
's lyrical violin. It all comes together beautifully in
Mendelssohn
's two piano trios, which are certainly not unknown but aren't always appreciated for their depth. The three distinct voices here bring out that depth, and a good way to appreciate how is to check out the inclusion of the original version of the Andante con moto tranquillo movement of the
Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49
, included at the end here (this one truly is rarely heard), and to compare it with the version
settled on later. With a beautifully sculpted solo piano opening by
, it is almost as if the players are leading one through the composer's thought process. A deeply satisfying chamber music release. ~ James Manheim