R. Schumann: Piano Trios, Vol. 2 Kungsbacka Piano Trio

• Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856): Piano Trio No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 110:
• 1 Schumann: Piano Trio No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 110 - I. Bewegt, doch nicht zu rasch 09:17
• 2 Schumann: Piano Trio No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 110 - II. Ziemlich langsam 05:33
• 3 Schumann: Piano Trio No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 110 - III. Rasch 04:07
• 4 Schumann: Piano Trio No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 110 - IV. Kräftig, mit Humor 07:32
• Sechs Studien in kanonischer Form, Op. 56:
• 5 Schumann: Sechs Studien in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 - I. Nicht zu schnell 01:57
• 6 Schumann: Sechs Studien in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 - II. Mit innigem Ausdruck 04:10
• 7 Schumann: Sechs Studien in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 - III. Andantino 01:44
• 8 Schumann: Sechs Studien in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 - IV. Innig 03:31
• 9 Schumann: Sechs Studien in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 - V. Nicht zu schnell 02:19
• 10 Schumann: Sechs Studien in kanonischer Form, Op. 56 - VI. Adagio 03:49
• Piano Quartet in C minor:
• 11 Schumann: Piano Quartet in C minor - I. Allegro molto affetuoso 13:52
• 12 Schumann: Piano Quartet in C minor - II. Menuetto 05:00
• 13 Schumann: Piano Quartet in C minor - III. Andante 06:28
• 14 Schumann: Piano Quartet in C minor - IV. Allegro giusto - Presto 08:16
• Total Runtime 01:17:35

Info for R. Schumann: Piano Trios, Vol. 2

After its first album devoted to Schumann’s first two piano trios, the Kungsbacka Piano Trio now presents the conclusion of this series with the Piano Trio No. 3 in G minor, to which they add the Six Studies in Canonic Form, originally for pedal piano and performed here in an arrangement for piano trio, and an early work, the Quartet in C minor for violin, viola, cello and piano, which was only published in 1979.

Composed in 1851, the third Piano Trio achieves the tonal balance Schumann was aiming for with an utmost independence of the three instruments while having ‘obsessive impulses’ running through it, to quote pianist Simon Crawford-Phillips. The Six Studies in Canonic Form that follow appear as small contrapuntal jewels that testify to Robert Schumann’s keen interest in Johann Sebastian Bach’s Preludes and Fugues. Finally, the Quartet composed when Schumann was 18 reveals a wildly creative mind at work, inspired in turn by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Chopin. Yet, despite these influences, one perceives a distinctive voice that reveals the obsessive qualities that would characterise Schumann’s later works. “A thrilling ride for performer and listener”, promises Crawford-Phillips.

Kungsbacka Piano Trio

Kungsbacka Piano Trio
Formed in 1997, the Kungsbacka Piano Trio has gained an enviable reputation as one of the most outstanding ensembles of its kind. Having established its credentials early on by winning first prize in the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, joining the Young Classical Artists Trust and BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists scheme, and being selected as “rising stars” by the European Concert Halls Organisation with concerts including at New York’s Carnegie Hall, the trio has since appeared at numerous festivals and venues throughout Europe, North and South America, Australia and New Zealand. In the United Kingdom, the trio has performed at the Wigmore Hall, Bridgewater Hall, LSO St Luke’s and the City of London, Cheltenham and Edinburgh International Festivals. Recordings for Naxos include Piano Trios by Schubert, Mozart, Chopin and Fauré, and the world première of Karen Rehnqvist’s Beginning for Piano Trio, commissioned for the Trio and released on BIS. Other commissions have included works by composers such as Daniel Bortz, Joe Duddell, Helen Grime, Paul Stanhope and Mark-Anthony Turnage. With a strong connection to Sweden through founder-member Malin Broman, the Kungsbacka Piano Trio regularly performs on tour throughout the country. Alongside numerous chamber music tours, the trio has performed as soloists in Martinů’s Triple Concerto with the Västerås Sinfonietta, and in Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Andrew Manze. The Kungsbacka Piano Trio has been honoured to receive the prestigious Interpret Prize from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, which was presented to them by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

Booklet for R. Schumann: Piano Trios, Vol. 2