Sweet-toned, big-hearted, and light-footed, Norway's
Grieg Trio is ideally suited for
Dvorák's Piano Trios (4). To the youthful passion and lyrical warmth of the Trios in B flat and G minor, the
Grieg brings fire and energy to the music. To the mature strength and tragic intensity of the Trio in F minor, the
Grieg brings passion and concentration. And in the ripe emotions and irrepressible optimism of the Dumky Trio, the
Grieg' brings high spirits and unbuttoned exuberance. While the specific sweetness of violinist
Solve Sigerland's tone is a bit wiry at the top of the neck, the specific heart of cellist Ellen-Margrete Flesjo occasionally beats a little too fast, and the specific lightness of pianists Vebjorn Anvik is sometimes a tad too hard and percussive; blame it on their impetuosity. And while one wouldn't want to be without a recording of
Dvorák's Trios by players born and raised in
Dvorák's Bohemia, the
Grieg's recording is a fine second choice. Simax's 2003 and 2004 sound is bright, clean, and direct.