Catalogue

Summary:

“Recordings are featherlike but ferociously accurate and very, very classy … on period instruments not just the change of pitch that makes a difference … getting us closer to the sounds Mendelssohn would have heard… so stylish and the pacing here is absolutely superb and meticulous playing from all three of them so there’s a huge amount to recommended here.” – Katy Hamilton BBC Radio 3: Building a library top period instrument recommendation (No. 1 in D minor)

“…the music is allowed to flow naturally, with rubato only at moments of surprise or important cadences. Tempos are convincing and the string tone is sweet.” – ★★★★ BBC Music Magazine

“There is no question of who is in charge: fortepianist Eric Zivian’s teaspoon-on-bone-china arpeggios dictate the speed and timbre, while the violin (Monica Huggett) and cello (Tonya Tomkins) dart about like the fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” – The Independent

The 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn’s birth in 2009 raised the popularity of his music to new heights. This new recording of his beloved Piano Trios is a rarity, performed on period instruments. The Benvenue Fortepiano Trio is lead by the enterprising violinist Monica Huggett, whose numerous recordings for Avie have consistently resulted in critical acclaim and awards. Monica brings a special touch to every recording she makes, whether as a leader, soloist or collaborator. Her partners here are two of America’s foremost period instrument practitioners, cellist Tanya Tomkins (making her second appearance on Avie) and Eric Zivian playing on an 1841 Viennese fortepiano which lends a unique crystalline sound to these early romantic masterpieces.

Tracklist:

FELIX MENDELSSOHN (1809–1847)

Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66 (30:28)
1. I Allegro energico e con fuoco (11:13)
2. II Andante espressivo (7:00)
3. III Scherzo – Molto allegro quasi presto (3:41)
4. IV Finale – Allegro appassionato (8:32)

Piano Trio in No. 1 D Minor, Op. 49 (29:15)
5. I Molto Allegro agatato (9:44)
6. II Andante con moto tranquillo (6:26)
7. III Scherzo – Leggiero e vivace (3:55)
8. IV Finale – Allegro assai appassionato (9:10)

Total duration: 59:43

The Benvenue Fortepiano Trio

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

Recorded 10-12 March 2009 at Fantasy Studios (Studio A), Berkeley, California
Produced, Engineered and Edited by David v.R. Bowles