Antonin Dvorak:
- Piano Trios Nos. 1-4
Performed by the Trio di Parma
The period when the four piano trios were written spanned from 1875 to 1891. The mid-seventies saw an important turning point in Antonin Dvorak’s life. This led him to shift his focus from the theatrical world, and consequently away from the influence of Smetana, to focus more specifically on chamber music.
This two-CD set of Dvorák’s piano trios includes two of the most popular (Nos. 3 and 4 ‘Dumky’). The Third and Fourth Trios are masterpieces of the first order, even though the so-called ‘Dumky’ is the much better known work.
The First and Second Trios were written in 1875 and 1876 and they are much less likely to be recognized as being by Dvorák.
To get an idea of this trios performance capabilities, here is the BRAHMS Trio op.8 (1st movement) as performed by the TRIO DI PARMA:
And next, let’s listen to the ‘Dumky’ trio of Dvorak, 4th movement, as played by the Trio di Parma:
Finally, let’s listen to the Beaux Arts Trio play more of the Dvorak “Dumky” Trio:
Tags: Dvorak, piano trios, Trio di Parma, Dumky