Much like
Schumann some years later,
Schubert had a brief period in which a flourish of chamber music was produced. In
Schubert's case, the piano trios in B flat major and D major and the little-played Fantasie in D for violin and piano were the result. The two trios are marvels of intricacy and maturity, each reflecting a wealth of contrasting emotional states from sheer joy to subdued melancholy. While the two trios have an assured place in the literature, the violin Fantasie is a bit more uncertain. It is an uncharacteristically virtuosic, nebulous composition, making it a challenge for performers and listeners alike. Joining these three works on this Fuga Libera two-disc set is the equally enigmatic Arpeggione Sonata; this sonata is far more straightforward melodically, but was composed for an instrument that had limited popularity even in
Schubert's time. Cellists have since adopted the sonata as their own. Performing here is the
Trio Dali, an ensemble that continues to produce favorable results on recording endeavors. The heart of the program -- the two piano trios -- is performed with the utmost elegance and finesse. The combined sound is slightly diffuse on this recording, but still provides a decent amount of clarity and edge to individual notes. Pacing is lively, never allowing the sometimes protracted movements to become stodgy. Special kudos are owed to violinist
Vineta Sareika for her valiant execution of the Fantasie. Her technique is polished and exacting, and she makes great strides to make this piece more accessible to her audience.