LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770–1827)

The Complete String Trios

Leopold String Trio

Marianne Thorsen violin

Sarah-Jane Bradley viola

Kate Gould cello

COMPACT DISC 1

Serenade in D major Op 8

1 Marcia Allegro [2'25]

2 Adagio [7'35]

3 Menuetto Allegretto [2'20]

4 Adagio – Scherzo Allegro molto – Adagio – Allegro molto – Adagio [5'00]

5 Allegretto alla Polacca [3'19]

6 Andante quasi allegretto – Variations 1–4 – Allegro – Tempo I [8'18]

7 Marcia Allegro [1'17]

String Trio in E flat major Op 3

8 Allegro con brio [11'49]

9 Andante [7'34]

10 Menuetto Allegretto [3'29]

11 Adagio [9'33]

12 Menuetto Moderato [3'24]

13 Finale Allegro [6'22]

COMPACT DISC 2

String Trio in G major Op 9 No 1

1 Adagio – Allegro con brio [9'45]

2 Adagio ma non tanto e cantabile [8'22]

3 Scherzo Allegro – Trio I – Allegro – Trio II (Hess 28) – Allegro [4'58]

4 Presto [5'07]

String Trio in D major Op 9 No 2

5 Allegretto [8'04]

6 Andante quasi allegretto [5'58]

7 Menuetto Allegro [3'51]

8 Rondo Allegro [6'23]

String Trio in C minor Op 9 No 3

9 Allegro con spirito [7'40]

10 Adagio con espressione [7'17]

11 Scherzo Allegro molto e vivace [2'55]

12 Finale Presto [5'37]

These CDs present all of Beethoven’s music for string trio, even including the alternative ‘trio’ (Hess 28) of the Scherzo movement of Op 9 No 1. Although these works bear early opus numbers they should not be regarded as anything other than first-class, mature Beethoven. They are fine, absorbing pieces, not as well known as they should be—a state of affairs which these wonderful CDs should do much to rectify.

‘The most sensitive reportage that these works have enjoyed since the advent of digital recording’ (The Independent)

‘One of the best and most beautiful ensembles to emerge blinking into the sunlight from London’s conservatoires in recent years’ (Evening Standard)

‘A remarkably gifted young ensemble who bring classical elegance to these glorious works’ (Classic CD)

‘Here is the finest string ensemble in Britain’ (The Daily Mail)

‘An oustanding pair of discs’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘This repertoire has been recorded by some world-famous artists in the past, but no performances have given me as much pleasure as these. A real treat’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘[A] startlingly good debut’ (The Scotsman)

GRAMOPHONE CRITICS’ CHOICE

Hyperion Records 2cds CDD22069