This two-disc recording of the Shostakovich Complete Trios & Sonatas is a re-release of performances from 1995 and 1996 originally sold under the Arabesque label. The
Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, one of the most long-standing and venerable piano trios in existence, recorded these works in live performances, so while there are occasional errors, missed shifts, or extraneous notes, the spontaneity and energy provided make this recording as enjoyable now as it was when first released. The two discs present the five pieces in chronological order, beginning with the lesser-known First Piano Trio and moving directly into the powerful and stark Cello Sonata.
Robinson's performance here is one of her finest. Deftly balancing transitions between desolation, joy, and soaring romantic melodies,
Robinson and
Kalichstein keep listeners at the edge of their seats for the entire performance.
Robinson's skills are brought to the fore again at the opening of the Second Piano Trio, brilliantly performing the glass-like and nerve-wracking false harmonics. The second movement of the trio, though marked Allegro non troppo, is extremely fast, but the ensemble seems to make it work somehow and brings the movement to a fiery conclusion.
Jaime Laredo is the star of the second disc, performing both the violin and viola sonatas, the latter being the final piece
Shostakovich would complete. Like the works on disc one, these two sonatas are filled with successful risk-taking. Though
Laredo's sound and vibrato may be a bit on the lush side for some listeners, this album remains an all-around magnificent collection of these works.