Andrew McGregor and percussionist Colin Currie discuss Linos Piano Trio’s recording of Ravel’s Piano Trio in A minor.
CC
“A deep dive into an authentic, if you will, ‘period’ instrument version of this music, and to me utterly captivating and believable, and very intimate … they’ve really found in their search this fantastic balance and incredible colouristic qualities of the music, which are so important in Ravel of course.”
AM
“And we’ll hear how much the choice of piano matters – it’s an Érard concert grand from 1882, the kind of piano he had at home, wooden frame, and combined with the gut strings on the violin and cello. And we’re going to hear the ethereal sounds and unique textures of the the Ravel Piano Trio, which is a piece I adore, but what should we notice as we listen to this?”
CC
“Well I think it’s the balance, I think especially with the piano it’s a softer sound but there are more colours available and I think what it means especially here is that the pianist can really throw themselves into this part, because it can take quite a lot of energy … on a modern day piano this would quickly overpower, but here they can really commit to it and throw themselves into this piece, but yet it balances so exquisitely with the strings.”
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AM
“The lightness and exotic fragrances of Maurice Ravel’s A minor Piano Trio … Colin, as you said, the balance changes completely!”
CC
“Yes, and I think their set-up allows them to really just throw themselves into particularly that Finale, but the whole Trio is absolutely glorious … the way they launch themselves into that Finale is certainly very very uplifting I find.”
