Gil Shaham, Yefim Bronfman, Truls Mørk - Tchaikovsky: Piano Trio in A minor (2008)

Ernest and persuasive while it's spinning, the better qualities of this 2006 recording of Tchaikovsky's Piano Trio dissipate soon after the disc stops. With pianist Yefim Bronfman, violinist Gil Shaham, and cellist Truls Mørk as partners in the proceedings, the playing itself is first-class. Each is a highly regarded virtuoso, and collectively they form an agile but cogent chamber ensemble. Interpretively, their focus is on expressivity. The opening Pezzo elegiaco is forceful and dramatic, and the closing set of variations is evocative and characterful. And always their lines are pulsing, their tempos are driving, and their climaxes are shattering. But after their performance ends, one struggles to recall what was unique or interesting about it, what about its phrasing or shaping made it standout in a crowded field. Unfortunately, the answer is nothing in particular. Bronfman's tone is sonorous, Shaham's attack is vigorous, and Mørk's temperament is amorous, but together they are merely three first-class musicians going through another revival of Tchaikovsky's chamber music masterpiece. Canary Classics' sound is lushly colored and richly detailed.