This is the second ARS release featuring Trio Goldberg, this time with an unusual repertoire tailored to all those wanting to go beyond the well-trodden tracks. Its importance should not only be measured in terms of repertoire but also, and by all evidence even more so, in terms of playing. I’ve said it before (De L'Ombre à la Lumière - Trio Goldberg) and here they prove it again: This is a trio of exceptional quality.

When preparing a new release, several questions have to be answered. Some prefer a programme of a single composer, style, or period, while others appreciate a wider variety. But this is the lucky day for lovers of chamber music looking for rarities and little jewels, whether they be old or new. Looking at the programme page, the Goldberg Trio has concocted a selection of mainly unknown and lesser-known works that won’t fail to tickle your curiosity. For instance, how many will be familiar with Taneyev's Trio in B minor? I was not. Neither did I know Hans Krása’s Tanz, written while he was interned in the Nazi Theresienstadt ghetto. Having these two compositions on record and played by these highly talented musicians is in itself already sufficient reason for a careful listen as well as to attentively investigate the rest on the menu, including ‘oddities’ from Haydn and Schubert.

The only ‘complete’ work is Jean Françaix’s short and scarcely known String Trio. Optimistic in tone, ingenious in form, 14 or so minutes of melodious listening pleasure. Schubert’s String Trio fragment has many followers. Most recently recorded by BIS (Trio Zimmermann). In comparison, I found no reason to prefer it above the Goldberg Trio’s interpretation. Both are excellent.

Having for the rest of it no comparison at hand, I had to take things at face value. Detailed liner notes tell all there is to know about the choices. So, what’s left for me, is to assure adventurous listeners that the Goldberg Trio has not only done well bringing it to our notice but thereby also demonstrating a level of musicianship that will be hard to challenge by others.

Rounding it off, it’s worth mentioning that the recorded quality does a great deal to enhance the overall appreciation. The sound is rich and warm with wide, rather pronounced roominess, as is customary with ARS, and above all a cello that sounds like one! Why not check it out?

Blangy-le-Château, Normandy, France.

Copyright © 2020 Adrian Quanjer and HRAudio.net

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