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In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: Ravel's Piano Trio; Rubinstein, Piatigorsky, Heifetz
Post Subject: Ravel's Piano Trio; Rubinstein, Piatigorsky, HeifetzPosted by Paul S on: 10/31/2009
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RCA Victor, LM1119 (mono LP that sounds better in "stereo")

OK, I admit to liking music that puts me into an altered state (of mind), such as this, Debussy's La Mer and Franck's D minor Symphony, etc.. This piece certainly warrants comparison with Ravel's similar String Quartet, since both are "New" Music stretched over fairly rigid classical frames.  Neither piece shows stretch marks, however, and both deliver some unexpected twists along with Ravel's ravishing themes and contra "melodies" that burst in and play out alternately or simultaneously in time and tone.

Will you be surprised if I tell you that all three of the Big Name Geniuses are well-behaved and into the music here, to excellent effect?  No show- boating and no going-through-the-motions, these guys just get it done with wit, charm and their incomparable skills, using (reasonably toned-down) instruments fully worthy of the occasion.

The flip side on this LP is Mendelsohn's Trio #1, played here to fully equal Beethoven's Triple Concerto by anyone else.  Very rich and satisfying, like a great piece of chocolate.

This LP is a later pressing of what I guess would be a [mono] "Plum Dog". The re-master is as good as can be expected, and surfaces are simply wonderful, better than most of my Plum Dogs, in fact.

Paul S

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