Performers
- Trio Nebelmeer
- Artur Decaris violin
- Albéric Boullenois cello
- Loann Fourmental piano
Programme
Johannes Brahms Piano Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87 [30’]
I. Allegro (moderato)
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo. Presto
IV. Finale. Allegro giocoso
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66 [29’]
I. Allegro energico e con fuoco
II. Andante espressivo
III. Scherzo. Molto allegro quasi presto
IV. Finale. Allegro appassionato
Concert description
One conception of Classicism and Romanticism is that these terms do not just define eras or currents, but rather features present in the works from different periods. And although the 19th century is definitely dominated by the former one – the dismantling of canons and forms, the recognition of strong connections between different artistic activities, and the appreciation of irrational and emotional elements, the composers of this era also valued and continued the classical heritage.
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy and Johannes Brahms are perhaps the best examples of this approach. It should be reminded that the first one was born the year Haydn died, and was already 18 years old when Beethoven died! Brahms, who dared to write his first symphony at a mature age, modelled himself after the author of Eroica.
However, attachment to certain ideas of classicism – such as elegance and transparency of form, textural clarity, proportionality of structure and sound – does not make their work any less Romantic. Even in chamber music which is the closest to the ideals of absolute music – the kind of music that has no specific story behind it, but is simply meant to be a play of sounds and, through aesthetic means, bring the listener closer to a peculiar version of the absolute – including the two “Second” Piano Trios, one can find the emotionality, lyricism, fierceness, and narrativity strongly associated with the 19th century music.
– Dominika Micał, “Ruch Muzyczny”