Pizzicato, Remy Franck 
Four Stars

Ravel’s Trio for piano, violin and cello in A minor was written in Saint-Jean-de-Luz in the summer of 1914. It is certainly not a sombre work, but it does foreshadow the threat of World War I.

The Linos Piano Trio plays this work with great sensitivity and differentiation.

The first movement is tense, with a mysterious, foreboding undertone. The scherzo-like second movement, titled Pantoum, is played with nervous vitality, while the Passacaille exudes an appropriately serious mood without neglecting the music’s slightly dreamy quality. The Linos musicians give the stormy finale (Animé) a passionate character.

The colourful playing, with supple and elegant motion, and meaningful poetic musical gestures, combined with [the players’] intelligence and just as much spontaneity, all come together to give the music a magnetic presence. A gripping interpretation that never loses sight of the music’s quintessential French elegance.

The beautifully and intimately played arrangement of Pavane follows, which is reminiscent of the original, while the piano trio arrangement of Le Tombeau displays more innovation, which is also reflected in the playing.