The Fidelio Trio, active across the British Isles, has developed a reputation for playing music of the 20th century, along with lesser-known 19th century music, much of it from France. The music on this release fits these categories: the trios by Chausson and Fauré are not exactly common items, and the pieces by Satie, all arrangements, are unfamiliar even in their original versions. Yet all are involving works in the obviously well-considered and well-rehearsed performances they receive here. The highlight is probably the ...
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The Fidelio Trio, active across the British Isles, has developed a reputation for playing music of the 20th century, along with lesser-known 19th century music, much of it from France. The music on this release fits these categories: the trios by Chausson and Fauré are not exactly common items, and the pieces by Satie, all arrangements, are unfamiliar even in their original versions. Yet all are involving works in the obviously well-considered and well-rehearsed performances they receive here. The highlight is probably the Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120, of Fauré, probably the most often performed of these pieces. It comes from the 1920s, from the composer's old age, and it has a fine elegiac feel wonderfully captured by these young musicians. Sample the delicate "Andantino" slow movement. The Chausson Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 3, by contrast, is an early work, but one that anticipates the dense chromaticism, the energy, and the Wagnerian influences of his later compositions. The miniature dances from...
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