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Beethoven Triple Concerto – Philharmonia Orchestra/ Matias Rouvali, cond – Decca

Beethoven Triple Concerto – Philharmonia Orchestra/ Matias Rouvali, cond – Decca

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Classical CD Reviews

BEETHOVEN: “Triple” Concerto; Folk Song Arrangements for Voice, Violin, Cello, and Piano; Londonderry Air for Piano Trio – Philharmonia Orchestra/ Matias Rouvali, cond. – Decca 485 4624 (58:20, complete credits below) (5/31/24) ****:  Recorded 9 June and 21 December 2023, this assemblage of Beethoven (piano trio) compositions brings together alumni of the BBC Young Musician Competition who have not collaborated prior on recordings. The main work, Beethoven’s 1803 Triple Concerto, represents the composer’s creative concession to Baroque practice, a kind of concertante concerto grosso for piano trio and orchestra, allotting the entry part consistently to the cello. The selection of folk songs by Beethoven reflects the ethnic roots of the four participating musicians – Scottish, Welsh, Irish, and English – concluding with the Kreislers’ arrangement of “Danny Boy” to round off the natural spontaneity of the program.  From the opening bass chords from conductor Rouvali’s energetic Philharmonia Orchestra for the initial Allegro movement, the lithe buoyancy of the occasion presents a directness, often quite exuberantly explosive, that blends with ensemble seamlessly. Those who already cherish the individual gifts of violinist Benedetti and pianist Grosvenor will find generous filigree and accompanying passagework to confirm their high opinions.  Cellist Kanneh-Mason has made […]