Classical Music Review: Musical Remembrances

The Neave Trio has emerged as one of the finest young ensembles of its generation which this disc eloquently proves. Anna Williams (violin), Mikhail Veselov (cello) and Eri Nakamura (piano) beautiful interweave with each other no one ever dominating.

Brahms Piano Trio is an early work inspired by the composer’s (unrequited) feelings for Clara Schumann. The Neave’s tackle it in a considered way, effectively using the recording venue, Potton Hall, Dunwich Suffolk. The charming adagio is well-balanced and throughout, the different textures from the three instruments are well-matched.

Ravel’s only piano trio was composed in 1914, as France was being drawn in the first world war. Ravel draws extensively on the rhythms and forms of his native Basque musical traditions. The performers capture the spirit and character of the piece especially in the second movement Pantoum getting to grips with the way the rhythms drive the piece. The Neave Trio do full justice to Ravel’s lovely Final as it scurries along to its climax.

Rachmaninoff wrote his two ‘elegiac’ piano trios during a youthful burst of enthusiasm for chamber music. As Stephen Johnson points out, the subject of the first elegy remains a mystery. It maybe that Rachmaninoff was so impressed with Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A minor. It is one continuous movement. The Neave Trio being out the elegiac and melancholic elements of the piece very well with confident playing.

The resonant sounds and tones of the instruments are elegant, and the Neave’s interplay leave us with fine, passionate, and expressive playing.