Berwald: Piano Trios Vol.2

"This re-issue of a 1991 Marco Polo recording apparently is the only version available of these piano trios (two C major works and two fragments in C and E-flat) by Franz Berwald. It is the second of two releases of all his attempts in the genre. His 1845 C major work, which predates his officially numbered trios, has plenty of energy and melody but lacks the discipline of a more mature composer. All three performers on this recording-pianist Kálmán Dráfi, violinist Jozsef Modrian, and cellist György Kertész-inject Berwald's occasionally long-winded lines with life-sustaining enthusiasm and give full attention to clarity of line and evenness of balance...

"The two fairly substantial Trio fragments are interesting filler for completists. The E-flat major, nearly a full opening movement that was abandoned for other ideas, offers some pleasant, sunny melodies in the final section. The C major fragment is a document of Berwald's thoughts on improving the C major trio, and from the sound of it he was on to something. However, the same octave leaps that gave the string players trouble in the original are still a problem. In both fragments, the musicians stop where Berwald did in his manuscript, which is quite acceptable for the purposes of authenticity.

"Instead of more revision, the Trio No. 4 is essentially a new work, with the odd quote from the previous two attempts, and this piece shows Berwald more in command of his craft. Again the players give committed interpretations..."
- ClassicsToday.com (David Preiser) February 14, 2001