Press

Complete Piano Trios Vol. 1

Phantasiestücke op. 88 (arr. von Theodor Kirchner)
Bilder aus Osten op. 66 (arr. von Palme)
Trio Nr. 1 op. 63

MDG 303 0921-2

"This is a cracking good record, full of zest, rhythmic drive (unmarred by any metrical chugging), imaginative colouring and phrasing, and an exceptional gift for dramatic pacing...Splendid, vigorous, loving and lyrical. Highly recommended." (Classic CD)

"We are accustomed to excellent sound and sensible repertory choice with anything coming from MDG....Phrasing, dynamics, technical command - one doesn't know which one should stress more with the Parnassus gentlemen. They attain the mood, the transitions, the tone and the proper amount of emphasis for this emotionally rich music." (Klassik heute)

Sechs Stücke in kanonischer Form op. 56
Trio Nr. 2 op. 80
Trio Nr. 3 op. 110

MDG 303 0922-2

"..the excellent balance amongst the Parnassus members. Another reason for unmarred enjoyment." Sound: outstanding." (Scala)

"An absolute winner this. Trio Parnassus have the the full measure of the the Second and Third Trios, and are recorded with the best blended sound I've encountered in these works. " (International Record Review)

Trio op. 20 in E-flat major
Trio op. 37 in B-flat major

MDG 303 0805-2

"The recording has a natural quality and the whole disc represents my chamber music discovery of the decade." (The STRAD)

"This is an exemplary recording not only as regards the interpretation and technical quality.... interpretations that are pure listening pleasure." (Diverse)

"superbly played by the Trio Parnassus ... An extremely enjoyable release." Interpretation und Klang: höchste Bewertung (BBC Music Magazine)

"Avec les inflexions toujours précises et variées des membres du Trio Parnassus, faisant preuve d'une parfaite entente mutuelle, d'un engagement de chaque instant et d'un équilibre idéal entre instruments ..." "Excellente restitution ample et réverbérée des trois instruments" (Répertoire)

Trio op. 6 in G minor
Sonata for Violin und Piano in F minor, op. 10
Adagio for Violoncello and Piano in G major, op. 38

MDG 303 0806-2

"... unjustifiably forgotten. Powerful and sonorous. " (FonoForum)

"Voilà une expérience passionnante à conseiller à tous ceux que chercheraient des sensations complémentaires aux trios de Mendelssohn." (Répertoire)

"Interpretationen: OPTIMAL" (CD Classica)

Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano after the 2nd Symphony in D major, op. 36
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano in B-flat major, op. 11 ("Gassenhauer")

"The amazing result; they manage to transfer the complex score to the medium "piano trio" without any loss of substance. It was no lesser composer than Beethoven himself who produced the transcription. Highly recommended." (Stereoplay)

"Trio Parnassus does an excellent job of controlling the large patterns in this music while producing something not unlike the dynamic outbursts and sharp rhythmic profile of the original. MDG continues to make near-ideal chamber-music recordings, so far as sound and ambience can make them." (Fanfare)

Trio in B major, op. 8
Sextet in G major, op. 36 (arr. for Piano Trio by Theodor Kirchner)

MDG 303 0655-2

"Editor's Choice: The Definitive Recording of a Brahms Masterpiece" "Never before has the interplay of three instruments been so intimately captured as on this exquisitely beautiful disc. ... this performance by the Trio Parnassus is the finest ... yet heard..." (Koch International)

"... le Trio Parnassus a une vision très chaleureuse, sensible et allante des choses, il bénéficie, en la personne du pianiste taïwanais Chia Chou, d'une solide épine dorsale autour de laquelle s'organise l'interprétation." "... le Trio délivre un message alerte, aéré, précis..." "Au total une fort bonne intégrale..."(Répertoire)

"Never before has the interplay of three instruments been so intimately captured as on this exquisitely beautiful disc."

"... this performance by the Trio Parnassus is the finest ... yet heard..." (Koch International)

"The playing itself on all these works is of the highest order - gorgeous cello sound... mellow and rich contributions from the piano... 'in the blood' playing from the Trio as a whole... And the recording is first class, overcoming all the notoriety and difficulty associated with balancing piano, violin and cello." (Soundscapes)

Kirchner’s arrangement of the Sextet op. 36 is a masterpiece and a work of genious in its own right. ... The Trio Parnassus has long since earned its place at the center of the international chamber music scene and the critics are unanimous: "Trio Parnassus? Currently our first choice!" (FonoForum).

Trio op. 87 in C major
Sextet in B-flat major, op. 18 / B-Dur (arr. for Piano Trio by Theodor Kirchner)

MDG 303 0656-2

"A wonderful performance, simply more beautiful and appealing than the more famous soloists-turned-trio... These are wonderful youthful performances, energetic, loving, and musical rather than aggressive and intense." (American Record Guide)

"Don't miss this musical power-package!" (High Fidelity)

Trio in B major, op. 8 (1. Version)
Trio op. 101 in C minor

MDG 303 0657-2

"... the Trio Parnassus knows this music to its core, feels it deeply, and realizes it superbly."

"Overall, this is a splendid, incisive, insightful, and emotionally moving pair of performances, beautifully recorded... highly recommended" (Fanfare)

E flat major, op. 12
F major, op. 22
G major, op. 35
G major, op. 65
E major, op. 83
E-flat major, op. 93
E-flat major, op. 96

MDG 303 0307-2 (2 CDs)

"A refreshing addition to the repertory... this music is savoured not only with brilliance and zest but with the most careful attention to detail and tonal refinement. Who can resist it?" (Stereoplay)

"Exploring the trios discloses a great deal of very attractive, well-written music. The performances are intelligently responsive to Hummel´s classical cut in the earlier works, his more expansive romantic manner in the later. The recordings are fresh and immediate." (Gramophone)

Dialog mit Schubert (1997)
Piano Trio (1998)

MDG 303 0865-2

"The Trio Parnssus present in a vigorous, sensitive and technically splendid manner two mature works which document Komma's unfaltering creative energy.... The poetic wealth becomes more captivating with every hearing." (Music Manual)

"..again and again, achieving with their CD world premieres one international success after another... ingenious, extraordinarily vividly contoured, captivating interpretations." (Das Orchester)

"... wonderful!" Interpretation and sound: highest rating. A FonoForum recommendation. (FonoForum)

Nr. 1 in C minor , op. 7
Nr. 2 in B minor
Nr. 3 in A minor , op. 26

MDG 303 0482-2

"Regard for detail, taste and temperament - qualities that have long become trade marks of the Trio Parnassus." (FonoForum)

"...the charm of the earlier works and the interest of hearing the trios together make this a highly desirable album. Sound is close and clear. Enthusiastically recommended." (Fanfare)

Trio in B-flat major, KV 502
Trio in E major, KV 542
Trio in G major, KV 496
Divertimento in B-flat major, KV 254
Trio in C major, KV 548
Trio in G major, KV 564
Triomovements in D minor, G major and D major, KV 442

MDG 303 0373-2 (2 CDs)

"The Trio Parnassus approach these trios with verve and delicate tonal colouring... thus achieving a blend that seems just ideal for these works...currently the first choice." (FonoForum)

"... you won’t do better than the Trio Parnassus. Their readings strike me as fresher, more observant and more imaginative than any of other traditional performances. Their judgement of tempo is virtually ideal; and with their athletic, springing rhythms, their crisp articulation and their avoidance of excessive vibrato. They´re also beautifully recorded and balanced, with a nice sense of space around the players." (BBC Radio3)

Trio for Violin, Viola and Piano in B minor, op. 2 (with Gunter Teuffel, Viola)
Trio for Violin Violoncello and Piano in E minor, op. 102

MDG 303 0751-2

"no one could reasonably ask for more than the Parnassus Trio offer, either in terms of drama or of interpretative subtlety. ... definite first choice." (Gramophone)

"The Trio Parnassus are not only one of the finest chamber groups around at the moment but they audibly and infectiously enjoy Reger's challenges. The recording is first class. Masterly chamber music, masterfully performed. Alternatives: None in this class" (Classic CD)

"Homogénéité parfaite, équilibre entre le lyrisme des cordes et la puissance du piano, très sollicitée, recueillement et tension: les qualités des Parnassus permettent d'explorer au mieux les nombreuses atmosphères de cette grand page" (Diapason)

"... this is the disc to have" (Fanfare)

"Masterly chamber music, masterfully performed. Alternatives: None in this class" (Classic CD)

Nr. 1 in D minor, op. 34
Nr. 2 in A major, op. 112
No. 3 in B-flat major, op. 121
Nr. 4 in F major, op. 191

MDG 303 0419-2 (2 CDs)

"A world-class Trio. They play with superb unanimity of ensemble and consummate polish. There is an abundance of youthful verve, too, well tempered by painstaking attention to dynamics and tempo markings and keen sensitivity to the changing moods of this music. At the piano, Chia Chou is brilliant and stylish but never obtrusive while Streicher´s violin playing is wonderfully in tune and very musical, glowing with warmth of tone. The music is utterly captivating." (American Record Guide)

"...and all this with clean intonation and virtuosic command. A discovery for friends of late Romantic chamber music." (FonoForum)

Trio for Piano, Violin and Violoncello in G major, op. 112
Sonata for Violoncello and Piano in G minor, op. 116
Trio for Piano, Violin and Violoncello in C-sharp minor, op. 100

MDG 303 0532-2

"The Trio Parnassus performs these often highly virtuosic works with great commitment, unashamedly and passionately moving. A real discovery." (FonoForum)

"... three strong players with alert intelligence and gorgeous recorded sound." (American Record Guide)

"Warmly focused though (as usual) completely natural MDG recorded sound and compelling performances of unexplored repertory; more of the same, please!" - "Three Scharwenka 'firsts'; well worth exploring in these accomplished, well recorded performances." (Classic CD)

Claude Debussy
(1862-1918)
Piano Trio in G major (1880)

Maurice Ravel
(1875-1937)
Piano Trio in A minor

"As a reference point of quality, I would be happy to live with this one by a gifted young German-Austrian ensemble. The recording throughout is warm and agreeable." (Gramophone)

Claude Arrieu
(1903-1990)
Piano Trio 1955/56

Ernest Bloch
(1880-1959)
Trois Nocturnes (1924)

Alfredo Casella
1883-1947)
Sonata a tre op. 62 (1938)

"The Trio Parnassus gives these works the opportunity of being discovered under the best circumstances." (Diapason)

"An important release of three 20th century works in Neoclassic style. Casella was the most important Italian composer from the period between the wars and this is the major work on the disc. However, the real find is the very fine Piano Trio of Claude Arrieu." (Koch International)

"The Trio Parnassus give a good account of themselves ... recommended especially for the Casella." (Fanfare)