Best-known (and for many, only known) for his opera "Jocelyn," French composer Benjamin Godard produced an abundance of music in his short 45-year life that is rarely performed. Among his forgotten works are two piano trios, written in 1880 and 1884. Compared to other works in the genre from the same time period, Godard's trios are certainly lacking in the same level of sophistication, gravitas, or stand-alone ability on a concert program. Still, the two trios heard on this MDG Gold album are melodically pleasing, possessing rich, non-progressive Romantic harmonies. The finale of the F major sonata is among the more exciting moments, with its intense rhythmic drive and...
Best-known (and for many, only known) for his opera "Jocelyn," French composer Benjamin Godard produced an abundance of music in his short 45-year life that is rarely performed. Among his forgotten works are two piano trios, written in 1880 and 1884. Compared to other works in the genre from the same time period, Godard's trios are certainly lacking in the same level of sophistication, gravitas, or stand-alone ability on a concert program. Still, the two trios heard on this MDG Gold album are melodically pleasing, possessing rich, non-progressive Romantic harmonies. The finale of the F major sonata is among the more exciting moments, with its intense rhythmic drive and pizzicato strings. Chamber music aficionados will certainly find merit to these works. The Trio Parnassus, who has undertaken many projects to revitalize long-forgotten literature, comes to Godard's rescue here. Having successfully breathed new life into the trios of Lalo, Korngold, Vasks, and the like, Trio Parnassus has a track record of taking slightly less interesting works and imbuing them with a sense of commitment, attention to detail, forward momentum, broad-ranging dynamics, and measured sentimentality. The resulting performance here is one of respect for the score and the composer, polished technical skills, nice balance, and a sense of true chamber music collaboration. Listeners seeking to expand their repertoire will do well with this and other installments by the Trio Parnassus.
Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked,
or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to
Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original
and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you
and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not
violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help
ensure that your review can be posted.
Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13
We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer.
However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or
to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
What to exclude from your review:
Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the
information on the product page, please send us an email.
Reviews should not contain any of the following:
- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation
Reminder:
- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its
sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the
review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly
those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com
also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend
Create a Pen Name
Welcome, penname
You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.
Editorial Reviews
All Music Guide - Mike D. Brownell
Best-known (and for many, only known) for his opera "Jocelyn," French composer Benjamin Godard produced an abundance of music in his short 45-year life that is rarely performed. Among his forgotten works are two piano trios, written in 1880 and 1884. Compared to other works in the genre from the same time period, Godard's trios are certainly lacking in the same level of sophistication, gravitas, or stand-alone ability on a concert program. Still, the two trios heard on this MDG Gold album are melodically pleasing, possessing rich, non-progressive Romantic harmonies. The finale of the F major sonata is among the more exciting moments, with its intense rhythmic drive and...