Mendelssohn Cello Analekta

Mendelssohn's complete works for cello and piano fit on a single CD with room to spare, and your collection should have room to spare for the terrific performances contained on this disc. Cellist Elizabeth Dolin and pianist Bernadene Blaha emphasize the composer's classicism and elegance, in contrast to the somewhat wilder spin with which cellist Mark Shuman and pianist Todd Crow suffuse these works. But whereas the latter ASV release is resonant to a fault, Analekta's engineering conveys a more intimate and equally warm ambience that falls kindly on the ears. Dolin and Blaha are never less than equal partners, which is important considering that Mendelssohn treats both instruments as such. (Classics Today 10/10)

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.