Korngold: Piano Trio, Op. 1 & String Sextet, Op. 10 Spectrum Concerts Berlin

• Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897 - 1957): Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1:
• 1 Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1: I. Allegro non troppo, con espressione 10:03
• 2 Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1: II. Scherzo. Allegro 07:01
• 3 Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1: III. Larghetto 05:55
• 4 Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1: IV. Finale. Allegro molto e energico 07:44
• String Sextet in D Major, Op. 10:
• 5 String Sextet in D Major, Op. 10: I. Moderato - Allegro 10:45
• 6 String Sextet in D Major, Op. 10: II. Adagio. Langsam 10:06
• 7 String Sextet in D Major, Op. 10: III. Intermezzo. In gemäßigtem Zeitmaß, mit Grazie 06:58
• 8 String Sextet in D Major, Op. 10: IV. Finale. So rasch als möglich 06:42
• Total Runtime 01:05:14

Info for Korngold: Piano Trio, Op. 1 & String Sextet, Op. 10

Korngold’s breathtaking precocity is everywhere in evidence in these two chamber masterpieces. The Piano Trio was composed when he was just twelve years old but its symphonic breadth and brilliantly demanding piano writing reveal myriad tonal colours and a mischievous reinvention of conventional Viennese form. Audacious yet rooted in lyricism, the String Sextet was written almost five years later and possesses memorable themes as well as a refined, theatrical intimacy. Spectrum Concerts Berlin has also recorded acclaimed discs of Hindemith (8.572213) and Toch (8.559324 and 8.559282) for Naxos.

"To Austria’s Musical Establishment the young Erich Wolfgang Korngold presented the dawn of a new era to replicate the precocious Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

In many ways the complexity that had entered into music since Mozart’s Eighteenth century presented a whole new and much greater challenge to Korngold, who, at the age of twelve years had just completed a Piano Trio in four movements that lasted just over thirty minutes. It was in every way a remarkable achievement, not least that it also acknowledged the changes that had taken place in the early years of the Twentieth Century. To this he had equally integrated the conventional tonality that he had assimilated from his mentors. He did have a debt to the era of Richard Strauss, that is evident, and it begged the question ‘where would this lead?’ That answer came five years later with the String Sextet. That freshness of youthful exuberance is replaced by a considered work where interplay between instruments, and the fabric it produced, is of considerable beauty. Its length is even more extensive, and, unlike the Piano Trio, there is sadness that probably spilled over from the operas this rapidly maturing teenager was composing. This is particularly true of the long Adagio, the mood totally changed by the pro-active and happy final Presto. Both performances from the Spectrum Concerts Berlin are superb, Eldar Nebolsin’s piano perfectly balanced with the string duo, while the Sextet is characterised by the infinite detail in the recorded sound." (David’s Review Corner)

Boris Brovtsyn, violin (tracks 1–8)
Clara-Jumi Kang, violin (tracks 5–8)
Gareth Lubbe, viola (tracks 5–8)
Yura Lee, viola (tracks 5–8)
Jens Peter Maintz, cello (tracks 1–8)
Torleif Thedéen, cello (tracks 5–8)
Eldar Nebolsin, piano (tracks 1–4)
Frank S. Dodge, artistic director

Spectrum Concerts Berlin
The Vision: A century ago America and Europe were united by strong bonds of musical appreciation. Separated after two wars, these important cultures can be significantly re-connected through the shared experience of high-level chamber music. Music is a medium of powerful and direct communication, which can create moments of profound understanding, and insights that are beyond the power of words. Chamber music, so-called from the smaller spaces and numbers of performers typically involved, provides an especially intimate and compelling musical experience.

The Mission: Founded in 1988 by Frank Dodge, an American cellist living in Germany, Spectrum Concerts Berlin has become well established and widely acclaimed in its native city. Presentation of music by contemporary American composers has been an integral and important part of its presence. Two American Music Weeks hosted in 1990 and 2000 by high-level political and cultural figures were enhanced by lectures and art exhibitions. Highly praised CD’s have made the group’s work available worldwide. Spectrum Concerts Berlin has also organized programs for European music students including two visits to the USA. With the wide acceptance in Berlin, Spectrum Concerts Berlin – USA, Inc., Expanding the Language of Chamber Music has been organized with a mission to extend the work of Spectrum Concerts Berlin - performances by the professional ensemble, master classes and related cultural experiences.

Booklet for Korngold: Piano Trio, Op. 1 & String Sextet, Op. 10