Trio Con Brio

This new album from one of today's most popular and sought after piano trios delves into the emotive essence of two young composers-Mieczyslaw Weinberg and Franz Schubert-whose compositions offer an encounter with poignant reflections on life, mortality, and ethereal beauty. Mieczyslaw Weinberg's op. 24 Piano Trio, conceived in 1945 amidst World War II's turmoil, embodies a haunting portrayal of unrest and despair. Infused with traces of klezmer music, this composition reflects Weinberg's personal journey as a Polish Jew fleeing wartime atrocities, crafting a musical narrative that echoes both tragedy and resilience.

Trio con Brio Copenhagen have played a central role in Scandinavia’s vibrant contemporary music scene for almost twenty years, and are celebrating this milestone anniversary by recording the complete piano trios of Beethoven for Orchid Classics, of which this is the much-anticipated first volume. A recipient of Denmark’s prestigious ‘P2 Artists Prize’ amongst many other awards, the Trio enjoys an intensive worldwide touring schedule as well as regular collaborations with many of the world’s most respected composers. Their recent recording for Orchid of trios by Tchaikovsky and Smetana was hailed by The Guardian (UK): “… Trio con Brio Copenhagen scale the Tchaikovsky’s heights with the verve their name suggests…” Founded in Vienna in 1999 with the concept of pairs coming together, the two Korean sisters, and Soo Kyung and Jens (who are now married), have since then been exploring the piano trio repertoire with freshness and curiosity as well as with respect and reflection.

The Beethoven piano trios have been at the hub of the Beaux Arts Trio’s repertoire throughout its long history.

Canada's foremost piano trio, the Gryphon Trio, has a reputation for offering richly detailed performances and excellent ensemble work. This nine-disc set represents not only much of their best work, but also much of the best of the piano trio repertoire. There are six of Mozart's trios; all of Schubert's and Shostakovich's works in the genre; and highlights of Beethoven's, including the three Op. 1 trios, the Archduke and the Ghost trios, and the Op. 11 trio originally for clarinet, cello, and piano.