As far as I know this
is the first release by the Max Brod
Trio, formed in 2005 by happenstance,
according to the sleeve-notes. It certainly
must be followed up very
quickly because this trio recording
on the Czech label ArcoDiva has a freshness
and unity we too seldom hear.
The Beethoven is well
represented on record. What the Brods
do with it is to show sheer enjoyment
with elucidation from the Mozartian
and brilliant Allegro [10:40]
to the Adagio cantabile [6:50]
with its Beethovenian voice and that
new sound which Mozart had nearly
achieved in the last two symphonies.
Beethoven uses the strings like Haydn
but when the movement coheres we can
hear the ‘Enlightenment’ torch with
a more serious light playing through
its flames.
At first I felt that
the Brods were a bit too quick in this
movement but the cohesion of the ensemble
served by a recording made in nearly
live conditions is just right. The recording
balance delivers Beethoven’s true voice
in the Scherzo [4:55] with the
piano spatially behind the strings but
tying the whole concept together.
In the Presto [8:06]
the piano is more centred with the violin
left and cello right. The Brods convey
here a glimpse of what Beethoven would
achieve in the big symphonies. This
recording of Op.1 isn’t showy, heavy
or anything other than what Beethoven
composed in his time. It is important
because it is truthful.
The Dvorak Dumky
wasn’t actually listed as a piano trio
by the composer, presumably because
it has six movements. The Czech word
‘dumky’ means passing thoughts
so the designation of this piece remains
as mysterious as titles by Janacek and
Martinu. It is the fourth and last published
work using piano trio by Dvorak and
mixes enigma and sheer fun. The Brods
understand this mix relay it to our
western ears at least as well as famous
antique recordings.
Every movement is played
with accuracy, feeling and a sense of
an ensemble at ease without being too
rehearsed. We get a subtle insight into
the work with much use being made of
differentiation of texture. This is
not a version to listen to in one’s
car because nothing must take away from
the sounds these musicians make with
uncanny togetherness.
Every movement is excellent
but the Poco adagio [6:35], Andante
[6:21] and the totally magnificent
final Lento maestoso [4:35] are
the true joys welding the six-movement
adventure into precisely that.
The accuracy of the
recording might sound a bit dry to listeners
used to artificial resonance so I advise
delivery via DAC or to top quality headphones
to access the full rewards of this release.
We must hope for more
from the Max Brod Trio, especially Shostakovich,
Ravel, Fauré as well as Martinu’s
underrated pieces for the piano trio.
Imagine the Brods in the ‘Bergerettes’
at the end of a record of more demanding
works!
Great musicians with
innate cohesion and sheer expertise
relate music as it is. Their love of
and sheer fun in making music is outstanding.
Stephen Hall
Full
Arcodiva Catalogue
for details 
Max Brod Trio: Petr Matěják
(violin); Marie Hixová (cello); Kerstin
Strassburg (piano) 
