Thomas Tellefsen was
born in Norway in 1823 and made his
debut as a pianist in 1842 before moving
to Paris where he met and studied with
Chopin in 1844 until 1847. During this
time he composed many works including
two piano concertos, chamber music and
pieces for solo piano.
The three chamber works
recorded here were all written between
1855 and 1861 in Paris. Although influenced
by Chopin in his piano writing there
are hints of Schumann and even early
Brahms in this music, but more especially
of Mendelssohn.
The first movement
of the sonata for piano and violin has
great interplay between both soloist
each stating and restating themes throughout
the development section. The slow movement
begins with a dark and almost sombre
feel to it, although the piano brings
more than a hint of sunlight to the
mood. This is then developed by the
violin with the piano opting for a more
supportive and expressive role. The
third movement scherzo is well structured
with a simple trio. The finale is marked
allegro vivace and sets off at a brisk
pace with both musicians each making
bold statements with some fine playing.
The sonata for piano
and cello op. 21 was premiered in Paris
in 1857 and was well received by the
French music press. Again there are
distinct echoes of Mendelssohn and even
Schubert, remember the Viennese classics
were very popular and influential at
that time in Paris. The first movement
follows the usual sonata form and shows
the variety of colour and range of both
instruments. The slow movement begins
with a statement on the piano and immediately
repeated by the cello, with a middle
section that could be a Schubert song.
The finale is melodic with friendly
rivalry between soloists who show of
their skills brilliantly.
The Trio for piano,
violin and cello op. 31 which concludes
the disc was composed in 1864 and given
its first performance in Norway in the
same year. Again one is reminded of
the influence of Chopin and Mendelssohn
with each soloist sharing the limelight.
The work is in four movements with the
short scherzo placed before the third
movement adagio. All four movements
are well crafted and the piano writing
in the adagio is full of natural charm
and beauty with the violin and cello
in full support. In the final movement
the piano states the main theme followed
by the violin and cello with quite a
lengthy development section.
Tellefsen, although
relatively unknown compared to some
of his contemporaries, deserves to be
more widely heard and judging by the
music on this disc he certainly had
mastered the art of chamber music writing.
Throughout, the playing is quite superb
with a recording to match, well engineered
by Geoff Miles. Warmly recommended .
Michael Wyatt
Einar Steen-Nokleberg - piano 
