Following the Brian Reinhart MusicWeb International review, fellow critic Jonathan Woolf offers his thoughts on the Potch Trio’s Babadjanian & Vasks: Piano Trios recording:
“Arno Babadjanian’s Trio, one of his best works…was composed in 1953 when the Armenian composer was in his early thirties.… His gift for melodic distinction is heard at its finest in the central slow movement where the violin soars over a rich bed of nostalgic piano writing, the cello then adding its own commentary. The Potch Trio ensure that the music’s essential refinement is honoured, shaping dynamics – especially pianissimos – with perception. … By contrast Peteris Vasks’ Trio Episodi e Canto Perpetuo is considerably more allusive. … The composer has written an extensive commentary in the score in which the titles of the eight episodes – Crescendo, Misterioso, Unisoni, Bulesca, Monologhi, Canto Perpetuo, Apogeo e coda – give a strong clue as to the Trio’s expressive journey. There are plenty of timbral contrasts here, moments when the piano’s sparse trills act as a prompt and angular agitated repetitive writing – active minimalism, if you will. … Delos has picked up this 1997 recording and worthily so, as the Potch Trio project much of the two works’ essential spirit with care and sympathy.” —Jonathon Woolf, MusicWeb International
Read the full review at www.musicweb-international.com
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