Brahms: Trio Op. 114 – Robert & Clara Schumann: Romances

It was Brahms himself who created the alternative version of his Clarinet Trio, replacing the clarinet with a viola. Tabea Zimmermann makes a strong case for the viola version in this recording with cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and pianist Javier Perianes. The slow movement finds all three in poetic interplay, one with the other, with Zimmermann’s viola singing lyrically in the upper textures. There’s a delightful grace and delicacy in the “Andantino” third movement, contrasting sharply with the turbulent finale. Brahms’ friend Joseph Joachim played viola in early try-outs of the Trio’s alternative version, and Zimmermann digs deep into the brooding emotions of Joachim’s three Hebrew Melodies for viola and piano. The composers Clara Schumann and Robert Schumann were close friends of Brahms, and each published their own Three Romances. Zimmermann has arranged both sets of pieces for viola, and her sensitively romantic interpretations round out this interestingly programmed recital.