Gramophone Magazine
October 2024
Editor's Choice

Joshua Bell (violin), Steven Isserlis (cello), Jeremy Denk (piano)

Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49
Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66
Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49: II. Andante con moto tranquillo

Violinist Joshua Bell reunites with two of his favorite collaborating artists and friends – cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Jeremy Denk – for Sony Classical’s new recording of the piano trios of Felix Mendelssohn.

The new recording follows a unique all-Brahms collection For the Love of Brahms – released by Sony Classical in 2018 – that was also a collaboration of Bell, Isserlis and Denk.

Of the new Mendelssohn Piano Trio recording, Joshua Bell notes: “Steven Isserlis and Jeremy Denk have been my most cherished chamber music partners for decades. They bring seemingly limitless imaginations and uncanny musical intelligence to every work I have had the privilege of exploring with them. It is my hope that our mutual joy for playing chamber music and, in particular, our shared deep love for the genius of Felix Mendelssohn comes through in this recording of these Piano Trios. I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to make this album.”

"Most strikingly, these performances are marked by an impressive spirit of exchange. The three players have different temperaments – and it’s clear, as you listen, that they’ve not erased their personalities." - Gramophone Magazine, October 2024