A kind person at International Piano magazine has sent me, without comment, a copy of the May/June issue. It turns out to have a survey of recordings of Haydn’s ‘Gypsy Rondo’ piano trio. ‘The Florestan Trio … displays uncommon musical intelligence while refusing to allow any hint of sentimentality of any over-indulgence in the finale. This recording has a fundamental feeling of ‘rightness’ that makes it the most likely challenger to the Beaux Arts Trio as the purist’s choice’, writes David Threasher. And there’s a nice big photo of us as well.
Finishing his survey with a summary of his favourite five recordings, the reviewer recommends ‘the Florestan Trio ‘for the marriage of intelligence and athleticism in its performance… and they take authenticity to the extent of having a young lady pianist.’ Poetic licence in that adjective, I’m afraid, Mr Threasher, but thank you!
[...] Also on the shelves at the moment is the May/June issue of International Piano, which contains my review of the available recordings of the ‘Gypsy Rondo’ Trio. Not quite such a challenging exercise as my Bartók Concerto for Orchestra Collection in the April Gramophone – shorter piece, fewer recordings, not left to the last minute by a lazy freelancer – but great fun to do. Susan Tomes of the Florestan Trio has already blogged about the piece over on her site. [...]