Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Sonata for arpeggione & piano in A minor ('Arpeggione Sonata'), D. 821: Allegro moderato
2. Sonata for arpeggione & piano in A minor ('Arpeggione Sonata'), D. 821: Adagio
3. Sonata for arpeggione & piano in A minor ('Arpeggione Sonata'), D. 821: Allegretto
4. Piano Trio in B flat major, D. 898 (Op. 99): Allegro moderato
5. Piano Trio in B flat major, D. 898 (Op. 99): Andante un poco mosso
6. Piano Trio in B flat major, D. 898 (Op. 99): Scherzo & Trio, Allegro
7. Piano Trio in B flat major, D. 898 (Op. 99): Rondo, Allegro vivace

Disc 2:

1. Piano Trio in E flat major ('Nocturne') (Adagio only), D. 897 (Op. posth. 148)
2. Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat major, D. 929 (Op. 100): Allegro
3. Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat major, D. 929 (Op. 100): Andante con moto
4. Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat major, D. 929 (Op. 100): Scherzo & Trio, Allegro moderato
5. Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat major, D. 929 (Op. 100): Allegro moderato

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #281000 in Music
• Released on: 1998-07-14
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .40 pounds

Amazon.com
This set offers four Schubert masterpieces in excellent performances. In the trio works, the musical lead comes from the piano, but that isn't a problem when the pianist is such an experienced Schubertian as Schiff and the other parts are played with plenty of personality. Although the recordings were all made in the same locale, the perspective on the instruments is quite different in the Sonata than in the Trio works; but the sound is realistic throughout and well-balanced. Of course there are numerous recordings of these works, some of them more economically coupled. But these performances are as fine as any you will hear, and the Trio No. 2 is played with its recently-restored complete finale, a decided plus. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews

Exellent Music with perfect technique
This is a wonderful CD for every Schubert lover, done by a musicians working together for a long time. I, as an amateur cellist, was especially moved by the exellent music with perfect technique of Perenyi. The sound is beautiful, interpretation persuasive, tempo stable but not tedious, and music expressive. I especially like his "Arpeggione Sonata." But it's not only his music and sound that is great. As a recording of Chamber music, "ensemble" must be the priority....and this is exactly what I appreciate so much. As a ensemble group, these three are one of the best. I hope as many musicians as possibe would share their well-done work.

This is the best available recording of the piano trios!
Both as a recording and as performances, these are are as good as it gets--not only of the piano trios, but also of the arpeggione sonata! (and it's not even close!)

The only near-competition comes from the recently released Florestan Trio on the Hyperion label, and--while they are quite good--I'm afraid Schiff & Co.'s vitality and sound leaves the Florestan Trio in the dust. . .

The reviewer below who derides this particuliar recording as too note-perfect and not enough of an interpretation simply does not have a clue (or the good taste to know better)!

Schiff in Schubert is always wonderful, and while his Decca recording of the Trout Quintet is not currently available in the U.S., you can still order it as a mid-price cd from Amazon.co.uk, which is just as easy and simple as using Amazon.com here in the States! Enjoy!

Beautiful - a 1st choice performance
I cannot agree more with the sky reviewer - earlier. This performance of two Schubert's piano trios is truely sublime, musical and colorful. The sound is gorgeous and alive. This performance was also highly acclaimed by Gramophone as one of the best. Highly recommended. I absolutely love Schubert's Arpegionne Sonata. But, the best performance of this piece is Rostropovich/Britten's version on Decca's legendary performance. Just listen and you'll love it.