Joseph Haydn – Keyboard Trios No. 39, 40 & 26 – The “Pro Arte” Trio

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These intimate chamber works – three keyboard trios performed by the Pro Arte Trio — are captured with detail and transparency like never before.

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In the summer of 2001, AIX Records Founder and Chief Engineer Mark Waldrep, Ph.D. traveled to Bucharest, Romania with nine road cases of state-of-the art, high-resolution audio equipment to record the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and some chamber music groups associated with the orchestra. The intention was to capture first class performances of familiar classical repertoire using his unorthodox method of recording…that of using many stereo pairs of mics and high-definition recording equipment. This DVD-Audio/Video disc is among the releases from those recording sessions. The tracks were recorded live without an audience in the Atheneum in downtown Bucharest, Romania.

The PRO ARTE Piano Trio was set up in 1978 by three outstanding members of the George Enescu Philharmonic. Violinist Anda Petrovici – who, in 1989, has become the first woman leader of the orchestra, a position she still holds – joined her forces with cello player Marin Cazacu and pianist Nicolae Licaret, in an attempt at creating a united and long lasting ensemble, able to approach the large chamber music repertoire in an exemplary manner. All three are consecrated soloists of the Romanian musical scene. The recitals of the PRO ARTE Trio have always been a milestone both for the public and the other musicians.

Marin Cazacu has built a brilliant career as an artist and a professor at the Bucharest National University of Music. On the other hand, Nicolae Licaret has proved his extraordinary technical and performing skills as a pianist, clavichordist and organist. Last but not least, Nicolae Licaret has been the Deputy Artistic Director of the George Enescu Philharmonic since 1991.

The value of the group has asserted itself since the very beginning owing to its unity and balance, the individual virtuosity and the expressiveness, clarity and vigour of the performance. It is a genuine pleasure to watch three soloist instrumentalists – each one with a powerful personality – joining their forces for the sheer joy of playing together and managing to balance their skills to reach a unique sound which is both new and readily recognisable. The PRO ARTE Trio has performed so far in Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Spain and Singapore, and it has participated frequently in the George Enescu Festival. On those particular occasions, it performed not only the musical creations of the great Romanian composer, but it also approached the universal classical repertoire. The chamber music group has recorded so far for the Romanian Radio Broadcasting and Television Company, but also for Electrecord (the Romanian Recording Company), BMG Ariola Records and AIX Records. Being therefore able to expand their professional skills and projects, the Pro Arte Trio often resorts to a viola, becoming a piano quartet.

Starting 2009, the PRO ARTE Trio has become a Trio in Residence at the Bucharest Atheneum Concert Hall, the headquarters of the George Enescu Philharmonic.

Audio Examples

    Haydn – Keyboard Trio No. 39 in G Major, Hob. XV:25

    1. I. Andante –
    2. II. Poco Adagio –
    3. III. Finale. Rondo all’Ongarese. Presto –

    Haydn – Keyboard Trio No. 40 in F-Sharp minor, Hob. XV:26

    1. . Allegro –
      I
    2. II. Adagio –
    3. III. Final. Tempo di Menuetto –

    Haydn – Keyboard Trio No. 26 in E Major, Hob. XV:28

    1. I. Allegro –
    2. II. Allegretto –
    3. III. Finale. Allegro –