The best recording
Vienna Piano Trio
Stefan Mendel (piano), Wolfgang Redik (violin), Marcus Trefny (cello) Nimbus NI5553
Fathoming a catalogue heaving with stellar recordings of this work is like being blinded by sparkling jewels in Aladdin’s Cave. Given the wealth of recent artists that have recorded it, older releases with problematic sound don’t really compete – despite this, violinists Jascha Heifetz and David Oistrakh, for example, have much to offer in their respective recordings.
How though, mightas to which recordings might best serve this music. Clara Schumann described the composer’s own performances as ‘one of the most delightful artistic experiences in my life. He would sometimes take the tempos very quick, but never to the prejudice of the music.’ Ferdinand Hiller states that ‘he possessed great skill, certainty, power and rapidity of execution.’
