"These very sympathetic performances are ideally recorded—tangible and lucid—and the music is certainly worth discovering for both its vividness and novelty." --Fanfare
Ferdinand Ries (1784–1838) studied all the instruments of the conventional piano trio and had further piano study with Beethoven. It seems, from the booklet note, that Beethoven later accused Ries of copying him. While there are certainly similarities in style, Ries should not be perceived as a Beethoven clone.
Ries’s music, whenever I have chanced upon it, has proved more than worthwhile and individual. These piano trios are splendid works, expansively conceived, and with memorable ideas that are sustained and developed very satisfyingly. Put simply, if the chamber music of Mozart, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn appeals, then you will derive much pleasure from these works of Ries.
The first movement of the early Trio in E flat has a sparkle and confidence that is beguiling, a genuine sense of purpose that maybe the remaining two movements do not equal, but both are charming. The later work is bolder and more heartfelt—the first movement’s lovely second subject could have come from Mendelssohn’s pen—and the slow movement is eloquent. The spirited finale, with some decided Beethovenian gestures, is both active and songful, and commands attention. These very sympathetic performances are ideally recorded—tangible and lucid—and the music is certainly worth discovering for both its vividness and novelty. --Colin Anderson, FANFARE
