Just offered to the public a few days ago, this dazzling music was first performed at Carnegie Hall in April 2009 to commemorate the Mendelssohn Bicentennial. The performances are said to be broadcast on PBS in May 2010.

This CD brings together, for the first time, Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax.

The piano trios are graceful with expert handling of form and ease of expression, combining Classical and early Romantic styles.

The CD’s tracklisting is:

PIANO TRIO NO. 1 IN D MINOR, OP. 49
1. I. Molto allegro e agitato
2. II. Andante con moto tranquillo
3. III. Scherzo: Leggiero e vivace
4. IV. Finale: Allegro assai appassionato

PIANO TRIO NO. 2 IN C MINOR, OP. 66
5. I. Allegro energico e con fuoco
6. II. Andante espressivo
7. III. Scherzo: Molto allegro quasi presto
8. IV. Finale: Allegro appassionato

The pieces inside the CD (special for Barnes and Noble) with exclusive bonus tracks are:

1. Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49 29:22
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Performed by Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma
2. Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66 30:20
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Performed by Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma
3. Song without Words for piano No. 1 in E major, Op. 19b/1 2:59
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Performed by Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma
Additional Notes: B&N Exclusive Bonus Track
4. Song without Words for piano No. 18 in A flat major ("Duetto"), Op. 38/6 2:49
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Performed by Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma
Additional Notes: B&N Exclusive Bonus Track
5. Song without Words for piano No. 14 in C minor, Op. 38/2 2:26
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Performed by Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma
Additional Notes: B&N Exclusive Bonus Track
6. Song without Words for piano No. 25 in G major, Op. 62/1 2:23
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Performed by Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma
Additional Notes: B&N Exclusive Bonus Track

serious listening or writing to.

Everything about this CD.

Mendelssohn, in his short life of 36 years from February 3, 1809 – November 4, 1847 , was a German composer, pianist, organist and conductor. He founded the Leipzig Conservatory, conducted the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, and wrote spectacular music including symphonies, concerti, oratorios, piano and chamber music. He was a child prodigy and a composer with a well-rounded education. He spoke German, English, Italian, and Latin and translated Terence’s Andria to German. He also produced the first performance of Bach's Saint Matthew Passion following the composer's death; he is also credited with reviving interest in the music of Franz Schubert.

The musicians who played Mendelssohn's trios are top performers in every sense of the word. This CD will not disappoint even the pickiest music lover.

I just have to say this:
As much as I enjoy the music, composers, musicians or artists who are/were prejudiced against any one group of people make me feel uncomfortable. The accepted currency of Mendelssohn's time was to buy into anti-semitism. This might have been the cause of the unfortunate attitude of Mendelssohn’s and of other composers of his time, although nothing excuses prejudice.
Still, Mendelssohn’s music is stunning especially when performed by Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax, and Yo-Yo Ma.

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Created Feb 09, 2010 at 12:54am • Submit your own review...