Okay, so maybe it's not the right thing to say, but really, don't you agree that the new
Beaux Arts Trio is, well, better than the old
Beaux Arts Trio? Of course, but better in what sense? The old
Beaux Arts Trio, with its imperial tone, its elegant interpretations, and its impeccable technique, was arguably the best recording piano trio in the world in the latter years of the twentieth century. But the new
Beaux Arts Trio, with its warmer tone, its passionate interpretations, and its still impeccable technique may arguably be the best recording piano trio in the world in the opening years of the twenty-first century. The only link between the new and the old Trios is pianist
Menahem Pressler but one got the sense that he was the warm and passionate heart of the old
Trio and with violinist
Daniel Hope and cellist
Antonio Meneses, one gets the sense that he has found is warm and passionate soulmates. Their Mendelssohn Trio in D minor is big, dark, and heartfelt and their Dvorák "Dumky" is big, tragic, hilarious, and both are played with tremendous panache. In other words, "better" in the sense that the new
Beaux Arts Trio is warmer and more passionate and, in a word, more human than the old
Beaux Arts Trio. Warner Bros.' sound is rich and detailed.