Album: Piano Trios

Overview
"Piano Trios" is a classical album by renowned English cellist, Jacqueline du Pré, launched in 1989. The album includes piano trio efficiencies by Beethoven, Brahms, and Schubert, with du Pré on cello, Daniel Barenboim on piano, and Pinchas Zukerman on violin. The trio carries out three well-known piano works by these composers, consisting of Beethoven's "Piano Trio No. 5 in D major, Op. 70 No. 1", typically known as the "Ghost Trio", Schubert's "Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 100", and Brahms' "Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8". These pieces showcase du Pré's remarkable talent and the skillful interpretations of her fellow artists.

Beethoven's Piano Trio No. 5 in D significant, Op. 70 No. 1 - "Ghost Trio"
The album starts with Beethoven's "Piano Trio No. 5 in D significant, Op. 70 No. 1", a three-movement work composed in 1808. This piece got its nickname, "Ghost", due to an eerie and strange quality present in the second motion. The opening motion, "Allegro vivace e con brio", features a fast and dynamic pace in which du Pré, Barenboim, and Zukerman display their excellent technique and ensemble chemistry. In the second movement, "Largo assai ed espressivo", the "Ghost" theme becomes a chilling, haunting, and climatic noise. The piano sets a dark tone, while the strings supply contrast through their expressive and psychological tunes. The last motion, "Presto", brings the piece to an interesting and powerful close, highlighting the virtuosity and technical proficiency required by each of the 3 musicians.

Schubert's Piano Trio in E-flat significant, Op. 100
Considered as among Schubert's most popular chamber works, the "Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 100" is a four-movement work of art composed in 1827, the year before the author's death. The trio begins with the "Allegro", where du Pré's abundant and warm cello tone shines as it links with the violin and piano melodies. The 2nd motion, "Andante con moto", is defined by a touching, easy style, enabling the musicians to reveal their deep feelings through their playing. The 3rd movement, the "Scherzo", brings a dynamic and energetic modification to the structure, while the final movement, "Allegro moderato", provides a robust and exhilarating ending, showcasing the trio's impressive virtuosity and tight ensemble playing.

Brahms' Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8
The album concludes with Brahms' "Piano Trio No. 1 in B significant, Op. 8", a four-movement work made up when Brahms was just 21 years old. The piece demonstrates the composer's early skill and enthusiasm for chamber music, and it was revised later on in his life in 1891. The energetic opening movement, "Allegro con brio", is remarkable for its fascinating and melodic themes, with each instrument taking turns presenting various motifs. The 2nd movement, "Scherzo", showcases the trio's skill to handle highly rhythmic and texturally detailed passages, causing the melancholic 3rd movement, "Adagio", where the musicians come up with tender emotions. The last motion, "Allegro", ends the piece with an invigorating drive, bringing the album to a victorious close.

"Piano Trios" stands as a testimony to Jacqueline du Pré's remarkable skill and the extraordinary musicianship of her associates, Daniel Barenboim and Pinchas Zukerman. This 1989 release is an essential album for classical music lovers, as it remarkably captures the essence and appeal of these remarkable piano trios by Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms.