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Naxos

Martucci: Piano Trios Nos 1 & 2 / Trio Vega

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Details

Composer
MARTUCCI, GIUSEPPE
Artist
TRIO VEGA
Format
CD
Label
Naxos
Released
Jul 10, 2015
Catalog #
8573438
UPC
747313343874

About

In an era when Italian composers tended to gravitate toward opera, the works of Giuseppe Martucci (1856-1909) are thoroughly marked by German Romanticism. The passionate dynamic surges and skillfully-honed contrapuntal writing characterizing the Second Trio’s opening movement are brilliantly cut from Brahmsian cloth, although the second movement’s obsessive rhythms and exciting harmonic clashes reveal a more playfully searching side of Martucci’s personality. I’m especially taken with the finale’s motoric accompaniment upon which seemingly innocent melodies take quirky twists and turns.

The First Trio’s Allegro adapts Brahms’ patented “three-against-two” phrase groupings, yet also contains a development section characterized by recitative-like solos. The Scherzo’s carefree interplay between musicians and rapid-fire pizzicato writing is nothing less than masterful.

Since the Mezzena-Bonucci’s 1996 recordings of both trios on the Dynamic label are not easily sourced, Trio Vega’s superb performances have no real competition. Their full-bodied yet carefully balanced interpretations take the specificity of the composer’s dynamic and expressive markings on faith, while leaving plenty of room for personal nuance, such as in cellist Orfilia Saiz Vega’s rich-toned solo work in both trios’ slow movements. One also should mention violinist Marc Paquin’s discreetly varied vibrato and Domenico Codispoti’s adroit handling of Martucci’s often demanding piano parts.

Naxos’ ample and detailed sonics may seem a bit dry and close-up for some tastes, but that’s not even a complaint. Fine annotations from Katy Hamilton provide welcome contextual information about the works and Martucci’s sadly brief yet productive musical life. Needless to say, Trio Vega’s splendid advocacy of these obscure yet unquestionably first-rate works warrants an enthusiastic recommendation.

– Jed Distler, ClassicsToday.com

Tracklist 8 tracks

  1. 1 I. Allegro 10:29
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Allegro
    Duration
    10:29
    Composer
    Giuseppe Martucci
    Ensemble
    Trio Vega
  2. 2 II. Scherzo: Allegro molto 09:34
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Scherzo: Allegro molto
    Duration
    09:34
    Composer
    Giuseppe Martucci
    Ensemble
    Trio Vega
  3. 3 III. Adagio 11:46
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Adagio
    Duration
    11:46
    Composer
    Giuseppe Martucci
    Ensemble
    Trio Vega
  4. 4 IV. Finale: Allegro vivace 09:11
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Finale: Allegro vivace
    Duration
    09:11
    Composer
    Giuseppe Martucci
    Ensemble
    Trio Vega
  5. 5 I. Allegro 09:59
    Track
    5
    Title
    I. Allegro
    Duration
    09:59
    Composer
    Giuseppe Martucci
    Ensemble
    Trio Vega
  6. 6 II. Scherzo: Allegro molto 07:01
    Track
    6
    Title
    II. Scherzo: Allegro molto
    Duration
    07:01
    Composer
    Giuseppe Martucci
    Ensemble
    Trio Vega
  7. 7 III. Andante con moto 09:32
    Track
    7
    Title
    III. Andante con moto
    Duration
    09:32
    Composer
    Giuseppe Martucci
    Ensemble
    Trio Vega
  8. 8 IV. Finale: Allegro risoluto 07:10
    Track
    8
    Title
    IV. Finale: Allegro risoluto
    Duration
    07:10
    Composer
    Giuseppe Martucci
    Ensemble
    Trio Vega