Trio 1790: Kozeluch Piano Trios Vol.4

The Strad Issue: August 2024

Description: Performances that tickle the ear, even if the content is slight

Musicians: Trio 1790

Works: Kozeluch: Piano Trios: in D major, F major, E flat major

Catalogue number: CPO 555480

Leopold Kozeluch championed the fortepiano over the harpsichord and contributed enormously to the vogue of the keyboard trio in late 18th-century Vienna. This fourth album in CPO’s series comprises period-instrument accounts of three of his 60-plus keyboard trios, written largely for domestic music making.

Trio 1790’s performances display unanimity of ensemble and a winning empathy with the idiom. Fortepianist Harald Hoeren is the principal protagonist, executing lyrical material and challenging passagework with flair and precision on a Derek Adlam replica of a late 18th-century instrument by Matthäus Heilmann. Violinist Annette Wehnert shares in conveying the melodic interest, often doubling the fortepiano at the unison or octave above, introducing the second subject of the first movements’ expositions, sensitively shaping melodies in the slow movements and adding light extempore ornamentation as appropriate. Even cellist Imola Gombos broaches equality of status, participating appreciably in announcing the thematic substance of the E flat major Trio. Novelty value is provided in the F major work, one of six in which, with commerciality in mind, Kozeluch introduced some popular Scottish and Irish tunes.

The recording is truthful and refined, but significant fortepiano material is occasionally overwhelmed in the balance. Pleasant, relaxing listening, nevertheless, even if the music is ultimately not greatly memorable.

ROBIN STOWELL