Graun: Trios for Violin or Viola & Clavier

Graun, Carl Heinrich, Graun, Johann Gottlieb

Les Amis de Philippe

CPO 777 633-2

Extraordinary compositional quality is again the hallmark of the Graun trios on our third release from Dresden library holdings – once again performed by members of Les Amis de Philippe. These works are virtuosic and passionate, vibrant and poetic, and full of melodic nobility in their slow movements. The Graun brothers, both of whom held leading positions in the Rundfunkorchester Berlinyal ensemble, were regarded as »fiery instrumental composers« and numbered among the most famous musicians of their time, with their renown extending far beyond Berlin and Potsdam. In the field of chamber music the Grauns developed a special interest in the genre of the »trio sonata.« At present 136 Graun trios in various instrumentations are known worldwide. Here the brothers are very much in their element with parts full of fine virtuosic technique and rhythmically electrifying formulations. The great quantity (and variety!) of the sources demonstrates just how popular and widespread the trios were during the eighteenth century: for the thirty-four Dresden trios alone we have 268 sources worldwide; calculated for 136 trios, the result would be some one thousand sources! »The members of Les Amis de Philippe in every way meet the virtuosic challenges posed by these works, which certainly were not composed for amateurs. The elegant gestures, the sensitive tone, and the colloquial interaction of the musicians are remarkable, and the decision to employ a fortepiano instead of a harpsichord as the continuo instrument underscores the progressive element in these compositions, their intention to produce the finest dynamic shading.« • (FonoForum 11 / 09 on Vol. 1)

CD x 1

CPO

4/23/13

761203763320