Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Piano Trio in E-flat major Op. 1 No. 1 (1793/94) [28:43]
Piano Trio in C minor Op. 1 No. 3 (1793/94) [27:57]
George Malcolm Piano Trio
rec. 17-18 September 1976, Bishopsgate Hall, London
FIRST HAND RECORDS FHR96 [56:45]
This CD was first released as a stereo LP and that was on Crescent Records in 1977 (ARS 108). It is unique being the only recording from the George Malcolm Trio. The Trio lasted only three years before its cellist, Kenneth Heath, died. George Malcolm had a great reputation as a keyboard player but Beethoven is an aspect of his career that I hadn’t previously encountered. His main repertoire, like those of his two colleagues, was confined to the baroque, although he did sterling work on Mozart with András Schiff. The liner-notes refer to the LP’s original Gramophone review from 1977: “There cannot be a better Op. 1 by any composer, and the George Malcolm Piano Trio conveys the attractions of these two works with skill and intelligence ... You could not fail to enjoy this record”. This left me with high expectations even though reading the full article reveals that the reviewer had identified certain limitations.
Beethoven’s three piano trios are the finest Op. 1 that I’m aware of and over the past twenty or so years, I have got to know them through some of the great trios of the past. Inevitably that includes Du Pré, Barenboim and Zukerman, now on Warner, and the two sets by the Beaux Arts on Philips; there are many more.
In Piano Trio in E-flat major Op. 1 No. 1, the George Malcolm Trio give a performance both affectionate and charming which one would greatly enjoy on its own terms in concert. The work clearly owes something to both Haydn and Mozart but, even at this stage, is undeniably Beethovenian. It’s a piece that unveils new qualities on re-acquaintance. After a lively Allegro, Beethoven produces a delightful Andante Cantabile with the three players interjections conveying a sublime conversation. I find this aspect most alluring. Both the Scherzo and the youthfully invigorating Presto are very successful. The sound of the Trio is well captured and the sound wears its 40+ years well. On its own terms it’s a fine performance.
The Piano Trio in C minor Op. 1 No. 3 is one of my favourite pieces of chamber music and of Beethoven. As I mentioned in my review of the Gould Trio, Haydn, for reasons unclear, advised Beethoven not to publish the Trio. Fortunately, this advice was ignored. Beethoven, towards the end of his life, transcribed the work into a String Quintet Op. 104 as referred to in Vikram Seth’s interesting novel on a Quartet, “An Equal Music”. For those interested, there are fine recordings by the Suk Trio on Supraphon and by The Lindsays on ASV. When the Trio began I wasn’t sure whether the piano slightly dominated but I guess that, as Beethoven would have played in the first performance, this is appropriate. The key movement for me, is the Andante Cantabile second movement with its hymn-like theme and five variations, the third of which is pizzicato. There is some lovely languid interplay between the instruments and their ‘conversation’ is very much as an ensemble and as friends, not as three soloists brought together. The Prestissimo finale goes pretty vigorously. Certain notes aren’t 100% perfect but enthusiasm carries the day in the end.
These accomplished recordings have reappeared in splendid re-mastering and its been a pleasure to hear them. It’s certainly a side of George Malcolm of which I’d been unaware. His admirers, and those of Christopher Hirons and Kenneth Heath, will be pleased to have the opportunity to acquire these performances. There are excellent notes by an expert in this field Tully Potter with a couple of photos. I see that when the album was released in 1977, it cost £2.80, equivalent to £17.25 so its full price is, I suppose, acceptable, despite considerable competition. This is, after all, a one-off. It’s very good to see this byway in the careers of three distinguished musicians being unearthed.
David R Dunsmore
Performers
Christopher Hirons (violin), Kenneth Heath (cello), George Malcolm (piano)
