Dohnányi Martinů Schönberg String Trios Ernö Dohnányi Serenade in C Major for String Trio, Op 10 The Leopold String Trio Hyperion CDA67429 (TT 55.49) Three works for string trio by composers who grew up in the later years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The works range in time from the Dohnányi composed in 1902, through the Martinů (1934), finally to the Schönberg Trio composed in California in 1946. The performance of the five movement Dohnányi Serenade sees a fine balance achieved by the musicians in this bright piece with its dancing rhythms contrasted with romantic and soulful seriousness. The highlight is the fourth movement, a set of variations on a chorale like theme. The piece ends with a lively Rondo that has the impact of a similar type of finale by Brahms or Dvorak. The music would be ideal for programming into a coffee concert at the Wigmore or Blackheath Halls. The CD concludes with a fine rendition of the rhythmically bustling Martinu Trio and another opportunity for virtuosic playing from this first class ensemble. Mark Dennis |