As the capital of a country that, less than a century ago, was one of the biggest and mightiest in Europe, Vienna isn't what is used to be in terms of political influence or military power. But, as far as what's really important goes -- that is, in terms of music -- Vienna is still as influential and powerful as ever. The Vienna State Opera is still one of the world's best opera houses, the
Vienna Philharmonic is still one of the world's greatest orchestras, and the city's chamber ensembles are still among the world's most revered. As this 2003 recording of the
Wiener Mozart-Trio shows, Vienna remains the capital of Central European music-making. Founded in 1991, the
Wiener Mozart-Trio has the kind of seemingly effortless and thoroughly elegant performance style that is a hallmark of Viennese musicians. In their recordings of
Mozart's E major Piano Trio and B flat major Divertimento, the
Wiener Mozart-Trio turns in performances of endless delight and charm. In the recording of
Schumann's F major Piano Trio, the
Wiener Mozart-Trio turns in a performance at once heartfelt and passionate, but poised and graceful. And in all three works, the
Wiener Mozart-Trio turns in performances of great warmth and deep beauty, the very qualities that have always distinguished the best Viennese musicians. Berlin Classics' sound is a bit distant, but still clear and honest.