Piano Trios

Mozart, WA / Piano Trios (Schenkman, piano; Diaz, violin; Yupanqui, cello)
Centaur Records

Larry K.
Reviewed: 2011-05-28

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: Piano Trios
Centaur Records, 2009

Only six piano/string trios of Mozart (1765-1791) survive, and the Divertimento in Bb Maj, K 254 is the earliest. In the first mvmt, the strings merely double the keyboard part, but later Mozart enriches the textures. In the Trio in E Maj, K. 542, the strings become more independent contributors to the musical lines, which become quartet-like, with the piano’s left hand providing the 4th part. The Trio in C Maj, K. 548 is the most orchestral in sound. The Trio is G Maj, K. 564 is the most pastoral of Mozart’s chamber works with piano. The second mvmt is a set of variations on a folk-like theme. A high point of joy is reached in the rousing finale.

Divertimento in Bb Major, K. 254
1. I Allegro (6:34). Light, cheery, then pathos, then return to cheery
2. II Adagio (4:59). Operatic, but not too serious, moderate tempo
3. III Rondeau (6:45). Courtly dance rhythms, short phrases.

Trio in E Major, K. 542
4. I Allegro (5:30). Princely melody, decorated texture, 3/4 rhythm
5. II. Andante Grazios (4:40). Stately; harmonically interesting middle section modulates to minor key; 2/4 rhythm
6. III. Allegro (7:19). Country village melody, with visits to the manor

Trio in C Major, K. 548
7. I Allegro (7:31). Serious discourse, animated, harmonically modulated
8. II. Andante cantabile (8:25). Calm, “operatic” scene for two sopranos
9. III. Allegro (4:57). Quick, rollicking melody and figuration, middle has modest drama without tragedy, all ends well.

Trial in G Major, K. 564
10. I Allegro (5:47).We’re people of purpose, well-dressed, spirited serious
11. II. Andante & Var. (6:29). After-dinner conversation among friends
12. III Allegretto (4:47). Skip along past gardens, small ruin, more gardens