Dvorak: Piano Trios, Vol. 1

The third of the published group, in F minor, was composed in 1883, the same year as he enjoyed success with the Scherzo Capriccioso. The time of writing was, however, tinged with melancholy, as his mother had died shortly before. This sombre aspect is betrayed in the strong opening section of the first movement, the sadness and longing of the sweeping melody quite unrestrained. Even in the second movement scherzo, the idiom of the Czech dance is somewhat muted, and Dvorak's eventual grief is fully exposed in the lament of the slow movement, that sorrow immediately expressed by the opening melody which passes from the cello to first violin. It is a movement where Dvorak eventually bared his soul, and after such a public expression of grief, it allows him to end the work with a movement of brilliance.

The title given to the fourth, and last trio, 'Dumky', is the plural of Dumka, whose origin is a Ukrainian lament. But here Dvorak uses it to define a slow and somewhat melancholy Slavonic dance. It was started in 1890 and completed a year later, and is in the unusual forma of six movements, each a dumka and in a different key. It showed Dvorak's mastery of composition as each dance is in a similar rhythm, yet he maintains the listener's interest, the dramatic opening for piano and cello setting the scene for a work that alternates between a quiet beauty, and vivid colours. This juxtaposition continues through to the final movement, the conclusion vigorous and happy.

The Performers: The Joachim are one of the most outstanding Piano Trios in the U.K. They are frequent broadcasters, and appear in concert halls throughout Western Europe. They have a large repertoire from Haydn through to the major works from the 20th century. The three members, however, also lead extremely busy lives outside of the Joachim. The pianist, John Lenehan, who is recording the complete piano works of John Ireland for Naxos, is a solo recitalist and the most sought after accompanist. He has a long standing partnership with the cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber, and also works regularly with Nigel Kennedy and James Galway. Rebecca Hirsch is in constant demand as a concerto soloist and has appeared with all the major UK orchestras, with a particular relationship with Scandinavia. She has recorded for the Marco Polo label, and more recently a disc coupling the Rawsthorne Concertos on Naxos. Caroline Dearnley has appeared as principal cellist of the Philharmonia and London Musici, and has worked in chamber music concerts with a number of the UK's major artists.

The previous release by the Joachim on Naxos, containing the Piano Trios of Saint-Saens the Gramophone Editors Choice.