Master Haydn, Student Beethoven: The Masters

Master Haydn, Student Beethoven The Masters Continuing the practice of recording concerts live, NY Philomusica recorded this program at Merkin Concert Hall, NY. Two previous albums were recorded at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Nos. 1 and 16. This CD is the opener of an exciting series we call "The Live Concerts." Programming its season around the C.O.R.E. (Composers of Recognized Eminence) repertory, on this CD NY Philomusica examines the progression from youth to experience of one of the greatest composers in history and juxtaposes it with the mature work of his mentor. Near the beginning of his career, Beethoven traveled to Vienna to study with Haydn, at which time, Haydn was establishing the piano trio as the preeminent musical form among high society. Haydn's influence is clearly visible in Beethoven's Piano Trio Op. 1, No. 2. Such was Beethoven's confidence in the success of this work that he offered it, along with two other trios in the opus, as his first published work, and its appeal has endured over time. Composed towards the end of his long career, Haydn's Piano Trio in G, Hob. XV: 25, exhibits an utterly superior confidence, and an ease with the form he had by now honed to perfection. Known as one of Haydn's most beloved works, this trio underlines both the similarities and the differences between Haydn and his student. Later, in his Piano Trio Op. 70, No. 2, Beethoven replaced the bombastic drama of youth with mature introspection, along with the brilliant exploitation of each instrumentalist's capabilities at the limit of technical possibility. Following their instincts and driven by that talent that has since been certified 'genius,' these two composers wrote music that redefined the language of the piano, violin and 'cello, creating beautiful works that remain favorites of audiences today. Track List: L. v. Beethoven Piano Trio No. 2 in G Major, Op. 1, No. 2 1. Adagio-Allegro vivace 2. Largo con espressione 3. Scherzo: Allegro 4. Finale: Presto J. Haydn Piano Trio in G Major, Hob. XV: 25 5. Andante 6. Poco Adagio: Cantabile 7. Rondo all'Ongarese: Presto L. v. Beethoven Piano Trio No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 70, No. 2 8. Poco sostenuto-Allegro ma non troppo 9. Allegretto 10. Allegretto ma non troppo 11. Finale: Allegro Total Playing Time 78:48 Recorded: January 2004 Artists: Jerome Lowenthal, piano Naoko Tanaka, violin Gregory Hesselink, 'cello New York Philomusica Records NYPm30014 Manufactured by: New York Philomusica Records, 105 West 73rd Street New York, NY 10023 A. Robert Johnson, Executive Producer An Elite Recordings NYC Production: Marc Aubort, Producer Cover Design: Morton Millen