Trio Gaspard
has embarked on an ambitious effort to record all of
Haydn
's keyboard trios, and so far, the results have been wonderful. The group has taken the time to work out performances that bring out the distinctive qualities of each work. This is the
third volume
, and like the first two, it mixes works from various parts of
's career. Near the end is a very early trio, from before 1760, that was originally labeled a
Partita
and shows little traces of the Baroque continuo procedure in the keyboard part, phasing in and out. In the
Piano Trio No. 19, Hob. 15/6
, from 1784, the piano remains the dominant instrument, while in the two later trios, the composer takes strides toward the equality of the three instruments.
has an uncanny feel for this process.
's minuets and minuet-like Andantes are even quirkier and more experimental than usual. The group uses modern instruments but shows the influence of the historical performance movement; pianist
Nicholas Rimmer
uses little pedal, and the attacks from the violinist and cellist are clean, creating a transparent texture that is ideal for the group's approach. So, too, is the
Chandos
label's sound from Potton Hall. A bonus on an album that may remain a reference for some time to come is the encore, composer
Kit Armstrong
's
tribute
Revêtements
; other composers have done this kind of thing, but
Armstrong
's take on the theme is especially lively and enjoyable. ~ James Manheim