Babadjanian, Chebotaryan & Piazzolla: Piano Trios
This is the debut album from Quebec-based Trio de l’Île, a young ensemble of exceptional talent, comprising Uliana Drugova (violin), Dominique Beauséjour-Ostiguy (cello) and Patil Harboyan (piano). The group was founded in 2015, and the three members have all enjoyed success in their careers to date, as performers and teachers.
The Piano Trio in F sharp minor (1952) by Armenian composer Arno Babadjanian (1921-1983) is widely considered one of the greatest masterpieces of the genre; the Andante a particularly beautiful and much-loved melody.. The work is joined by another Armenian piece, the trio (1945) by Gayané Chebotaryan (1918-1998), which has stronger inspiration from the Armenian folk inflections familiar in the music of Khachaturian as well as the Russian classical tradition.
As a contrast we have the ‘Four Seasons of Buenos Aires’ from 1960 by Argentinian legend Astor Piazzolla, the composer who revolutionized the tango, turning it from a steamy dance into a true art form. Lively, exotic and highly rhythmic, these pieces embody the Latin spirit totally. The arrangement for piano trio is by cellist José Bragato, a member of Piazzolla’s own Octet.
Track Listing
-
Gayané Chebotaryan (1918-1998):
- Trio for piano, violin and cello (8:24) Arno Babadjanian (1921-1983):
- Trio for piano, violin and cello in F sharp minor - I. Largo - Allegro espressivo (9:39)
- Trio for piano, violin and cello in F sharp minor - II. Andante (7:04)
- Trio for piano, violin and cello in F sharp minor - III. Allegro vivace (6:13) Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992):
- Las cuatro estaciones porteñas - I. Primavera porteña (4:17)
- Las cuatro estaciones porteñas - II. Verano porteño (6:45)
- Las cuatro estaciones porteñas - III. Otono porteño (5:26)
- Las cuatro estaciones porteñas - IV. Invierno porteño (6:44)
Reviews
“Trio de L’Île, a superb young trio for piano, violin, and cello, here presents a highly compelling program. It is all very well written and an easy pleasure to hear, especially given the exuberant and virtuosic performances.
” —Peter Burwasser
“There is a beautiful cohesion between all these works… we find a common intensity, a passion that inspires them all. The music is also full of bouncy, dancing energy. Through their musicality and synergy, the musicians give the necessary momentum and impetus to these trios.. Excitement guaranteed!
” —Justin Bernard
“Rich Romanticism combined with touches of folk, hints of orientalism and, in Piazzolla’s Estaciones Porteñasm, the sharp heels and smokiness of tango. This is terrific stuff, excellently played.
” —Jeremy Pound
“More fluid phrasing and the most drama [of the competing recordings]. The musicians play with plenty of affection and expressive beauty.
” —Stephen Estep
“An interesting if melancholic album, and if you like music that evokes an era and atmosphere, it’s well worth a listen.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“Trio de L’Île give a simply outstanding performance… I lost track of the number of times that a shiver went down my spine. The passion and energy in their performance is thrilling – simply rapturous. I craved another 20 minutes in the company of Trio de L’Île. This is my first review of the year, and it seems I have a Recording of the Year already in place.
” —David Barker
“This album testifies to a high level of musicality: passionate performers, high-level musicians, instrumentalists in full control of their means and individuals listening to each other. The result is an opulent overall sound, vibrant with emotion and color. Well done for this superb recording.
” —Frédéric Cardin
“This recording bodes well for the Trio and represents yet another first-rate release from Divine Art.
” —Paul Baker
“A good opportunity for listeners to explore 20th-century piano trios from Armenia; the Piazzolla has an especially strong flavor of the concert hall in this trio’s performance: the sort of “conversational” balance that sounds so good in classical chamber music.
” —Mark J, Estren
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