Dvořák’s Circle Hermitage Piano Trio

• Antonín Dvořák (1841 - 1904): Piano Trio No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 65 B. 130:
• 1 Dvořák: Piano Trio No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 65 B. 130: I. Allegro ma non troppo 13:33
• 2 Dvořák: Piano Trio No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 65 B. 130: II. Allegretto grazioso 07:32
• 3 Dvořák: Piano Trio No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 65 B. 130: III. Poco Adagio 10:04
• 4 Dvořák: Piano Trio No. 3 in F Minor, Op. 65 B. 130: IV. Finale. Allegro con brio 10:22
• Josef Suk (1874 -1935): Elegy in D-Flat Major, Op. 23:
• 5 Suk: Elegy in D-Flat Major, Op. 23 06:21
• Antonín Dvořák: Piano Trio, Op. 36 “Rural Life in Bohemia”:
• 6 Dvořák: Piano Trio, Op. 36 “Rural Life in Bohemia” 09:18
• Josef Suk: Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 2:
• 7 Suk: Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 2: I. Allegro 06:08
• 8 Suk: Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 2: II. Andante – Adagio 03:57
• 9 Suk: Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 2: III. Vivace 05:11
• Total Runtime 01:12:26

Info for Dvořák’s Circle

The Hermitage Piano Trio amazes again! Reference Recordings is pleased to announce Dvořák’s Circle, our third album with this elite trio. The Hermitage Piano Trio consists of violinist Misha Keylin, cellist Sergey Antonov, and pianist Ilya Kazantsev. In Dvořák’s Circle, the trio brings together the musical and personal connections between Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) and two composers he taught, mentored and who became family: Josef Suk (1874-1935) and Rudolf Friml (1879-1972).

Since the founding of the Hermitage Piano Trio, Dvořák’s Piano Trio No.3 in F minor, Op.65 has been among their favorite works to perform. In selecting the companion composers and their complete piano trio works they wanted to showcase the creativity, connectivity, and diversity of teacher and pupils. Their intersection, musically and personally, provide a musical portrait of three gifted individuals who explored and developed their talents as a result of the essential influence of one of the greatest composers of all time. The album was produced by GRAMMY® winners Victor and Marina Ledin. It was recorded in April 2023 by RR’s own GRAMMY® winning and multi-nominated engineering team of Sean Royce Martin and Keith O. Johnson, at Skywalker Sound in Marin County, California.

Hermitage Piano Trio

Hermitage Piano Trio
Now entering their second decade, the United States-based Hermitage Piano Trio has solidified its place as one of the world’s leading piano trios, garnering multiple GRAMMY® Award nominations and receiving both audience and press accolades for their performances that The Washington Post singled out for “such power and sweeping passion that it left you nearly out of breath.”

The Trio, founded in 2011, is a champion of immense repertoire ranging from the works of the great European tradition to more contemporary American pieces. Hallmarks of the Hermitage Piano Trio are their impeccable musicianship, sumptuous sound and interpretative range, which have led to demand for many repeat performances. They have appeared on major chamber music series and festivals in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Miami, Washington, D.C., Tucson, Portland (OR), Tulsa, San Diego, Anchorage, Corpus Christi, Newport (RI), Winnipeg, Montréal, San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), Seoul (Korea), St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) and many others. Expanding their musical horizons, the Trio has recently started performing Piano Quartet repertoire with the award-winning violist Jordan Bak. In addition to their extensive touring engagements, the Trio is involved in educational and outreach projects.

Recent and upcoming performances include Friends of Chamber Music Portland (OR), Buffalo Chamber Music Society, Newport Classical, VCU Arts, Chicago Chamber Music Society, ArtPower at UC San Diego, Concord Chamber Music Society, Friends of Chamber Music Miami, Harvard Musical Association, Ladies’ Morning Musical Club (Montréal), Corpus Christi Chamber Music Society, Music Worcester, Strathmore, and other notable series.

Hermitage Piano Trio began its multiple-album recording deal with Reference Recordings, debuting its CD titled “Rachmaninoff,” which featured Sergei Rachmaninoff’s two trios and his unforgettable Vocalise. Echoing many enthusiastic reviews of the “Rachmaninoff” recording, The Strad lauded the Trio’s “outstanding playing in intense, heartfelt performances,” and American Record Guide praised that “the Hermitage wants to burst forth with passion, to let the whole world know! I am really glad that someone can still play that way in our utterly unromantic age.” Their second album, “Spanish Impressions,” has the Trio exploring the rich and diverse musical heritage of early 20th century Spanish composers, including works by Arbós, Turina, Cassadó and Perelló. The album received broad critical acclaim, with Gramophone praising the Trio’s “impeccably dovetailed phrasing and hair-trigger rhythmic unanimity,” and Stereophile noting “the Hermitage Piano Trio sounds right at home with the color and verve of this music.” The Trio’s third album, titled “Dvorak's Circle," is scheduled for release in early 2026.

A rarity in the chamber music world, this elite Trio brings together three accomplished soloists in their own right. An established soloist, violinist Misha Keylin has performed in forty-five countries spanning five continents. He has captured special attention with his world-premiere CD series, released by Naxos, of Henri Vieuxtemps seven violin concertos and showpieces. These recordings have already sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide and have garnered numerous press accolades and awards, including “Critic’s Choice” by The New York Times, Gramophone, and The Strad.

Hailed as “a brilliant cellist” by the legendary Mstislav Rostropovich, Sergey Antonov went on to prove his mentor’s proclamation when he became one of the youngest cellists ever awarded the gold medal at the world’s premier musical contest, the quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Competition. Antonov’s entry into this elite stratum of sought-after classical artists has already placed him on stages at world-renowned venues from Russia’s Great Hall at the Moscow Conservatory to Suntory Hall in Tokyo.

And pianist Ilya Kazantsev, praised by The Washington Post as “virtually flawless,” has performed as a recitalist and a soloist with orchestras in Russia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. Mr. Kazantsev’s many awards and honors include first prize at the Nikolai Rubinstein International Competition (France) as well as top prizes at the International Chopin Competition (Russia) and the World Piano Competition (USA).

Booklet for Dvořák’s Circle