In an excellent follow up to their first disc of Trios by Hubert Parry (please see the reviews here), the Leonore Piano Trio’s second instalment of Parry’s chamber music includes his Trio No. 2 and Piano Quartet, and has received outstanding reviews from critics:
“The Leonores sound like they’ve lived with and loved these pieces for years: they surf the ebb and flow of Parry’s surging, often tempestuous lyricism with the same grace and style that they bring to the radiant sunset codas that close the first movements of each work … even had there been a century-long tradition of recording Parry’s chamber music, I suspect this would still shoot straight to the top of the heap. Lovers of English music needn’t hesitate.” Richard Bratby, Gramophone
“Every bit as good and rewarding as the first...The expansive opening movement (from Maestoso to Allegro con fuoco) drips with rich expression and deep feelings, driven by an undercurrent of raw emotion, and also with tender withdrawals to an inner sanctum.” Colin Anderson, Classical Source *****
“A good piece [the Piano Quartet] to play to anyone who accuses Parry of being second-rate Brahms, especially in this urgently propelled performance from the Leonore Piano Trio with viola player Rachel Roberts … I've enjoyed the Leonore's Parry recordings this year a great deal; fine recordings, both of them.” BBC Record Review
“Particularly moving in this sympathetic and eloquent account by the Leonore Piano Trio…this is an album to spend time with and relish as one’s familiarity with this music grows in performances which capture the genial warmth as well as the seriousness of this great but gently spoken composer.” Daniel Jaffe, BBC Music Magazine - performance *****, recording ****
“The Leonores are wise and generous interpreters...This makes a fine companion to their recording of the First and Third Trios.” Jonathan Woolf, MusicWeb International
“This Piano Trio is a highly impressive composition and it’s marvellously played by the Leonore Trio... I admired the Leonore Trio’s first Parry CD very much and this follow-up release is just as good. Parry’s music could not be in better hands.” John Quinn, MusicWeb International
“The Leonore Piano Trio are joined by Rachel Roberts on the viola, and play with infectious zeal, injecting vim and vigour into the music...The finale provides a zestful tour-de-force for the ensemble, and these players certainly don't disappoint...Graced with a plush-sounding recording, the Leonore Piano Trio with Rachel Roberts offer incandescent readings which will win over many to these captivating scores.” Stephen Greenbank, MusicWeb International
“The playing, from the Leonore Piano Trio, is absolutely first-rate, and shows a complete empathy with the style, nowhere more so than in the charmingly idyllic Lento slow movement, an absolute joy to listen to...heartfelt, melodious music and attractive harmony, which is well-crafted and beautifully written.” Phillip R Buttall, MusicWeb International
This marks the sixth release by the Leonore Trio for Hyperion, and completes their Parry recording project in honour of the composer’s centenary. The Leonore Trio have also delighted audiences with Parry’s Piano Trios across the country, performing the works in venues including Wigmore Hall, Theatre Royal Nottingham, Royal Northern College of Music, and University of Oxford’s Holywell Music Room.
More information on the Leonore Piano Trio’s new recording, as well as extracts from the disc can be found at the Hyperion website.
