BBC Music Magazine
March 2024
Chamber Choice

Trio con Brio Copenhagen

Weinberg: Trio for piano, violin and cello, Op. 24 (1945)
Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat major, D929

"The Schubert requires different interpretative skills [from the Weinberg], such as grace and elegance as well as a subtlety and variety of tonal colouring in balancing the three instruments – qualities which are evident throughout every bar in this outstanding performance." - BBC Music Magazine, March 2024

"This new album from one of today's most popular and sought after piano trios delves into the emotive essence of two young composers—Mieczyslaw Weinberg and Franz Schubert—whose compositions offer an encounter with poignant reflections on life, mortality, and ethereal beauty. Mieczyslaw Weinberg's op. 24 Piano Trio, conceived in 1945 amidst World War II's turmoil, embodies a haunting portrayal of unrest and despair. Infused with traces of klezmer music, this composition reflects Weinberg's personal journey as a Polish Jew fleeing wartime atrocities, crafting a musical narrative that echoes both tragedy and resilience. Contrasting this, Schubert's Piano Trio No. 2, written in 1828, encapsulates a delicate balance between melancholy and elegance. Inspired by the Swedish folk song ""Se solen sjunker,"" this piece resonates deeply with themes of human solitude and profound sadness, interwoven with moments of exquisite beauty and refinement. As Trio con Brio Copenhagen celebrates their 25th anniversary in 2024, ""The Passenger"" follows the group's recent critically acclaimed recording of the complete Beethoven piano trios, and stands as a testament to their illustrious career to date, combining the richness of Viennese roots with a profound musical bond."