HAYDN – THE COMPLETE PIANO TRIOS VOL. II – TRIO GASPARD

In their second installment of Haydn’s Piano Trios, the Trio Gaspard once again delivers a spirited and engaging performance, showcasing their commitment to both historical authenticity and contemporary musical exploration. The album, titled “Haydn: Piano Trios, Vol. 2,” presents a captivating selection of compositions, ranging from Haydn’s early divertimento to later, more mature works, along with a playful addition by contemporary composer Leonid Gorokhov. Released under the Chandos label (CHANDOS CHAN20270), this recording captures the Trio Gaspard’s vibrant interpretations and thoughtful artistic choices.

The album commences with a charming four-movement divertimento from the early 1760s, offering a glimpse into Haydn’s musical evolution before his renowned association with Prince Esterházy. While the piece exudes a certain innocence, it’s the slow movement that truly captivates, featuring an expressive keyboard solo enveloped by delicate violin and cello accompaniment. The Gaspard string players cleverly switch to pizzicato during the repeat of the opening section, adding a touch of imaginative variation.

Moving forward, Trio No. 21, composed in the mid-1780s, defies convention by omitting a slow movement. The opening Allegro initially appears traditional, but Haydn surprises the listener with bursts of chromatic syncopation, skillfully introduced and reintroduced throughout the composition. The subsequent pieces, composed approximately a decade later during Haydn’s London sojourn, showcase the composer’s mastery of emotional depth and liveliness. The slow movements are infused with poignant expressiveness, and the finales, notably the Presto assai ‘in the German Style’ of Trio No. 45, exude a contagious vitality that keeps the listener engaged.

Trio Gaspard’s performances are marked by their spontaneity and vivacity, effectively capturing the essence of Haydn’s musical spirit. However, their penchant for adding ornamental flourishes during repeats occasionally veers into the realm of fussiness, subtly tugging at the balance between authenticity and embellishment.

A distinctive feature of this album series is the inclusion of commissioned works inspired by Haydn’s legacy. In this volume, Russian cellist and composer Leonid Gorokhov contributes a playful piece titled “For Gaspard.” Written in a mock-Haydn style, Gorokhov skillfully integrates snippets of Haydn’s D major Cello Concerto, infusing the composition with a sense of humor and homage. While the initial wit is appreciated, the novelty of the joke can wear thin over repeated listens.

“Haydn: Piano Trios, Vol. 2” by Trio Gaspard offers a well-rounded exploration of Haydn’s compositional evolution, brought to life through the ensemble’s energetic performances. The Trio Gaspard’s commitment to authenticity, combined with their willingness to experiment with playful contemporary additions, makes this album an engaging addition to any classical music enthusiast’s collection. While some interpretative choices may prompt discussions on the fine line between authenticity and embellishment, there’s no denying the trio’s passion and dedication to Haydn’s musical legacy.