Schubert: Trio Opus 100, Sonatensatz & Notturno

Toward the end of his 31-year life, Schubert wrote his greatest masterpieces, including two piano trios. The second, in E-flat major, is the darker of the two, and is heard here. The remarkable Busch Trio grasp its emotional complexities, plunging headlong into the epic first movement’s emotional depths with brooding intensity, while also relishing its moments of radiant calm. The second movement Andante features one of Schubert’s greatest melodies, sung out on the cello above a strumming piano accompaniment—beauty and pain in agonising balance. And the final Allegro traverses an incredible range of moods: sadness, joy, nostalgia, severity. The two remaining pieces on this recording showcase the talents of a younger Schubert full of hope and irrepressible energy.