SCHNABEL: String Quartet No 5, Piano Trio

Koehlen, Benedikt, Pellegrini Quartett, Ravinia Trio

CPO 999881

When Artur Schnabel was born in 1882, the time was coming to an end when great composers were usually also great instrumentalists. Schnabel, however, could not and would not accept the increasing separation of musical fields of activity, and with it the inseparable independence of virtuosity. The fact that Schnabel became famous as a pianist despite his continuous composing was due to the ease with which he succeeded on his instrument. In 1901, for example, he made his debut with his own piano concerto with the Berlin Philharmonic, and at the age of barely 21 he made his final breakthrough with acclaimed performances of the Brahms concertos under Arthur Nikisch. Later he founded the "Schnabel Trio", which existed in changing line-ups for many years. He followed with interest what new music was emerging and was familiar with Schoenberg's work long before it gained recognition. This was reflected in his own music, which always belonged to the avant-garde of its time. The works included on this CD all date from the American period, the last decade of Schnabel's life, and are among his most important chamber music expressions.

Works:

•Schnabel: Piano Trio
•Schnabel: Seven Piano Pieces
•Schnabel: String Quartet No. 5

CD x 1

CPO

18.11.2005

761203988129