Catalogue

Summary:

“This show is stolen by the viola playing of Jodi Levitz and fortepianist Eric Zivian in the Märchenbilder. Levitz’s narrative flair, virtually technicolored tone and warmth of emotional identification make the music leap to life, creating fairytale magic in earnest” – ★★★★ BBC Music Magazine

The Benvenue Fortepiano Trio’s acclaimed accounts of Schumann’s Piano Trios opened the ears of chamber music devotees with the crystalline textures of its period instruments and the drawing-room intimacy of its interpretations. Anchored by Grammy®-nominated violinist Monica Huggett, the members of the Trio continue exploring Schumann’s chamber music with cellist Tanya Tomkins and fortepianist Eric Zivian performing Fünf Stücke im Volkston, guest violist Jodi Levitz and Zivian in Märchenbilder, and the forces coming together for the capstone of the composer’s chamber output, his Piano Quintet.

critical acclaim for the Benvenue Fortepiano Trio
“Benvenue make an exceptional case for the use of the fortepiano in place of the modern piano … they perform with a level of gusto and brazenness seldom heard in modern instrument ensembles … intensity, commitment, and unfettered navigation of Schumann’s scores” – AllMusic (on Schumann Piano Trios Nos. 1 and 3)

“the trio’s choice of instruments also reflects an enlightened view of the music … rare combination of elasticity and emotional involvement … You’ll be completely taken in and involved in the Benvenue Trio’s music-making. It is as if these musicians are not the ones communicating with you, but Robert Schumann himself.” – Fanfare (on Schumann Piano Trio No. 2)

Tracklist:

ROBERT SCHUMANN (1810–1856)

Märchenbilder
1. Nicht schnell (3:29)
2. Lebhaft (3:58)
3. Rasch (2:32)
4. Langsam (5:26)

Stücke im Volkston
5. Mit Humor (3:05)
6. Langsam (3:21)
7. Nicht schnell (4:13)
8. Nicht zu rasch (1:53)
9. Stark und markiert (3:00)

Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44
10. Allegro brilliante (9:04)
11. In modo d’un Marcia (7:50)
12. Scherzo (4:51)
13. Allegro ma non troppo (7:06)

Total duration: 59:48

Benvenue Fortepiano Trio

Monica Huggett, violin
Tanya Tomkins, cello
Eric Zivian, fortepiano

with Jodi Levitz, viola & Carla Moore, violin

Recorded 26–30 January 2016, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California
Producer: David v.R. Bowles