Album

For some listeners, the image of two very attractive young women draped in sheer silk gowns performing Brahms' Piano Trios can enhance their listening experience. For others, it could be what used to be called a "turn off." For some, a cover photograph of a lovely blonde, a gorgeous brunette, and an unassuming man makes it a more fulfilling experience. For others, the very idea of woman using their bodies to sell classical music is simply appalling. For them, it would be better to have Ingres' otiose odalisques on the cover than some hotties' décolletage.

For impartial listeners, however, what's on the front cover won't matter because, all by themselves, these performances by the Trio Solisti of a pair of Brahms' Piano Trios are passionate enough to summon up images of debauchery to rival the reveries of Hugh Hefner. While scholarship tells us Brahms was emotionally reserved and performance tradition reminds us that Brahms was, although a powerfully emotional composer, no Wagner, the Trio Solisti is extravagantly emotional, extremely sensual, and unreservedly ready to go at the least hint of a forte. The B major Trio has all the youthful ardor of Goethe's "Werther" and all the voluptuousness of Wagner's Rhein Maidens. The C minor has all the mature fervor of Tolstoy's Anna Karina and all the lasciviousness of Wagner's Flower Maidens. For some listeners, the salacious cover of the Trio Solisti's recording of Brahms' Piano Trios is simply a triumph of honesty in advertising. Marquis' digital sound is very close, very warm, and very vivid.

© James Leonard, Rovi

CD 1
Johannes Brahms Composer Piano Trio No.1 in B, Op.8 Work 35:43 Lucy Miller Linn Drum, Trio Solisti Ensemble
1	1.Allegro con brio	15:14			$2.49
2	2.Scherzo	5:59			$0.99
3	3.Adagio	8:32			$1.49
4	4.Allegro	5:58			$0.99
Johannes Brahms Composer Piano Trio No.3 in C-, Op.101 Work 19:18 Lucy Miller Linn Drum, Trio Solisti Ensemble
5	1.Allegro energico	6:23			$0.99
6	2.Presto non assai	3:16			$0.99
7	3.Andante grazioso	4:31			$0.99
8	4.Allegro molto	5:08			$0.99