Anton Arensky - Piano Trio No. 1, Op. 32 in D minor

- Composer: Anton Stepanovich Arensky (12 July 1861 -- 25 February 1906)
- Performers: "Beaux Arts Trio": Menahem Pressler (piano), Ida Kavafian (violin), Peter Wiley (cello)
- Year of Recording: 1994
Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 32, written in 1894.
00:00 - I. Allegro moderato
12:43 - II. Scherzo. Allegro molto
18:49 - III. Elegia. Adagio
25:35 - IV. Finale. Allegro non troppo
Arensky's first piano trio was composed in memory of cellist Karl Davidov, friend of both the composer and Tchaikovsky, as well as director of the St. Petersburg Conservatory during Arensky's studies. The cello plays a prominent role in the trio, at times matching or surpassing the violin in importance. In fact, many sections of the piece sound like a piano and cello duet, perhaps honoring not just Davidov but also Arensky's cellist father.
- The piece opens with a soaring, lyrical movement that interrupts the warm, flowing sections with sudden, passionate outbursts containing playful traces of Mendelssohnian charm. As a whole, the first movement exudes remarkable power and energy. Even the lyrical passages are accompanied by a pulsating accompanying figure in the piano, resulting in a feeling of constant motion and energy.
- The second movement is a light-hearted, ear-tickling scherzo which entices the listener to join in the dance.
- This lighthearted movement is followed by a tender, reflective "Elegia," with the muted cello introducing the melancholy theme. Even the passages which evoke a happier mood seem to be only memories. The dreamlike third movement is abruptly answered by...
- the more forceful, dramatic opening of the finale, which serves to pull together fragments from the preceding movement in a summarizing final paragraph.
The piece is dedicated: "À la memoire de Charles Davidoff".

[@danielroisman]

This is Arensky's finest work among all his compositions, especially the first part, which is a masterpiece due to the coherence of its composition and the spirited nature of the thematic material. Such achievements were rare for Arensky, but here he captivates the listener and carries them on the waves of his melodies, much like Rachmaninoff. Arensky's other works can sometimes seem forced and unnatural, but in this piece, he surpassed himself and entered eternity as a great composer.

[@tuplatanja]

This wonderful trio has brought me memories of my graduation year in the conservatory. End of may, everything is so green and blooming, and we were young with my friends, full of hopes for a better future, yet playing this breathtakingly beautiful music.

[@TitiLatulipe]

C'est magnifique ! Quelle grande sagesse d'interprétation, ici, par ce trio de musiciens légendaires, figurant parmi les plus fameux de tous les temps. La leçon historique est immense. Quant à cette composition de grande beauté, datant du 19ème siècle, le troisième mouvement reste encore aujourd'hui, l'une des partitions les plus touchantes, au monde de la musique de chambre. Et rappelle la vocation merveilleuse de la musique. Tandis, que toute l'oeuvre est d'une cohérence structurelle impressionante. Les modulations, les outils et motifs de fabrication, les interventions respectives de chacun, l'équilibre subtile des notes de musique, y sont très raffinés. Seul ce deuxième mouvement semble techniquement si sophistiqué, au piano, qu'il demeurera peut-être un peu dissuasif pour un débutant, selon la plus intimidante des quatres parties de l'oeuvre. Ceci étant dit, elle conserve les dons de la jeunesse éternelle, car le texte musical ici présenté semble ne jamais vieillir. À une beauté de coeur éternelle, d'un compositeur, au labeur réel, reste sa musique somptueuse et atemporelle. C'est une belle leçon d'humilité. Merci de faire connaître ces oeuvres au plus grand nombre d'auditeurs. D'avoir à écouter ceci, sur youtube, fut, pour nous tous, un intense bonheur. Et un exemple à suivre pour toutes les générations, anciennes, présentes et futures. Bien à vous..

[@LadyPrincessDiana]

Lol, I'm glad the autocorrect of my phone made me mistype what I was searching for on KZbin, I found this instead, and I'm glad I gave it a listen!

[@abe_48]

I love piano trio's because the three instruments cover a wide spectrum of tonal colors, particularly the Russian trios such as this one which have beautiful and complex melodic structure. Arensky was a talented composer who for some period was wistful for Tchaikovsky's music and then realizing Tchaikovsky's genius were beyond competition, turned into an admirer and follower. Arensky's music is a joy to listen to, especially this trio and The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, Op. 46.

[@salimyusufji5736]

Which Russian trios would you recommend? I haven't heard many, outside of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov.

[@abe_48]

Try Borodin, Glinka, Catoire, Rimsky-Korsakov, Taneyev, Shostakovich, Grechaninov, Khachaturian, Gnessin, Napravnik, Rubinstein, Cui (flute instead of cello), Roslavets, Alabieff, Bortkiewicz, Tcherepnin, etc

[@salimyusufji5736]

@@abe_48 Thank you. Shostakovich's trios are familiar, and one by Rimsky-Korsakov (in C minor). Most of the others have been just names to me till now, some not even that. Will get started.

[@gerardbegni2806]

@@salimyusufji5736 You should listen to Taneiev's, and in a quite another style, the two by Chostakovitch. The first one is short and expressionist, the second one has a fklavor of his own within a more conventional structure. Thiose by Roslavets are quite special. Roslavets was a very progressive composer prosecuted by the Stalinitsts, but his trios are a bit less advanced than his piano music, where he pushes Scriabin's language to incredible limits.

[@Aaron-dj2vi]

​@@salimyusufji5736 Sabaneyev. His op. 20 is one of my favorite trios

[@ArthurSmoot]

Along with Pressler's and Wiley's exemplary musicianship and beautiful playing of this wonderful piece, I love the richness and beauty of Kavafian's playing. The glorious, effervescent sound she draws from her Guadagnini makes my heart melt.

[@philhomes233]

The Arensky first trio is magnificant. Arensky, with the best will in the world was second rate, but with this trio he got something right and produced one of the nineteenth century's best pieces. It is deservidly played everywhere.

[@punchaloo]

+Phil Homes I just can't see him as "second rate", not with his jewels (String quartet and quintet). But I see where you are coming from.

[@jwilliams8210]

I heard this piece on the radio when I was in high school (I am no longer in high school). I went out and purchased the vinyl immediately. I always loved the color and modulation in 6:51-6:59 and how it is punctuated by the triplet rhythms in the piano at the end of this snippet..

[@MrShyguyRS]

The first movement warmed my heart with so much love the first 11 minutes. Then, those final bars hit me deep. The uplifting melody was given new context, and it felt like it was yearning to be what it used to. The second and third movement almost seemed like filler compared to the emotions that drove me over in the finale. The reprise of the first theme killed me. For the third time ever listening to classical music, I cried.

[@rrozoff1]

This is a remarkable, deeply affecting report. Please accept my warmest gratitude.

[@musiclucedelfiume521]

@@rrozoff1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2HSqndjdrZqpKc

[@lucapop3571]

Best......... Piano......... Trio...... EVER!!!!

[@oldladysmell3035]

First time hearing this trio--never knew much about this composer. I can imagine this played in some evening in a large old mansion, with golden candelabras, luxurious furniture and large vases of flowers all around....opulence...

[@Reuben_95]

I see it perfectly!

[@TitiLatulipe]

oui… mais pas que forcément ^^

[@robertcohn8858]

A stunning chamber work brilliantly performed. I don't know why I haven't listened to more pieces from this gifted composer. The beauty of how the theme is passed between piano, violin and cello is mesmerizing.

[@llcamus249]

Such beautiful music. I listen to it over and over.

[@BenStoneking]

Спасибо большое за то, что поделились эту песнью с нами. Она прекрасная и вдохновлающая. Русские композиторы как А. Аренский, они такие гениальные люди. Я хочу писать музыку так, как он.

[@brodymc27]

Я не говорю по-русски, поэтому это переведено. я просто хотел сказать, я согласен ... красиво

[@OmarFadul]

this is one of the most beautiful music I've ever listened! fantastic! thank you for uploading

[@MegaPianogenius]

Omar Fadul rubbish and difficult

[@СветланаКоролева-э4ж]

Гениальное произведение! Благодарю!

[@briananderson8428]

It feels like there is a lot of Grieg here. Listen to the chord progression in particular. This is a stunning piece.

[@MrInterestingthings]

Wiley's cello sound is unforgettable and as always Ida Kavafian's musicality, culture and training make hte music what it's highest form can be. The Beaux Trio 's Menahem Pressler is a legend and his many students keep his flame persistent and burning ! Arensky did write some good music . we'll pas on that early 1882 piano concerto so wonderfully recorded by Felicia Blumenthal .

[@stueystuey1962]

Wonderful to see you here. A very engaging piece for something written in an entirely classical tradition.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

The luscious flowers figures penetrate into my soul . Deep impression is reaching my soul . This music heals my wandering soul . 🍎

[@ilanashapiroflute]

Really great piece! too bad it's not better known. I find the first movement to be especially beautiful. thanks very much for posting

[@Stitch87654]

I cannot get over how magnificent this work is. Absolutely brilliant. I find Arensky's writing genuinely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this! On a side note, I've finally got a chance to play this in an ensemble! How exciting!

[@olla-vogala4090]

Awesome, good luck with that performance!

[@lindaalbin4451]

LoveStitch05 you make me feel so young

[@conan2717]

LoveStitch05 - Thats really great! Which instrument do you play?

[@Stitch87654]

conan2717 The piano and the 'cello. I'm playing the 'cello in this case though! This piece has got a very, very beautiful 'cello part.

[@conan2717]

Yes it has indeed :) Besides, it's a wonderful masterpiece, worthy to be put alongside other prototypical genre contributions as for example Smetana's gorgeous Piano Trio. Myself, i'm practising the piano part of the two cello pieces op. 2 by Rachmaninoff (Arensky's conservatory pupil) right now. Maybe you know them as well? They are glorious little miracles. It's simply stunning to see how far and mature Rachmaninoff already was at such a young age.

[@Prometeur]

First time listening to this work, and I'm already in love with the first theme. Damn.

[@isaiahcruz3431]

Arensky writes beautiful music

[@adlfm]

Nice work, thanks for sharing! Reminds me of Schumann.

[@adamchenadamov]

How?

[@adlfm]

@@adamchenadamov the harmonic language. The opening moves to the relative major very quickly, it has a half cadence over that C major chord with a 4-3 suspension, it has that expressive V to i over the mediant the bass... That's only the 1st minute. Also, we know Schumann and Mendelssohn were some of the most venerated composers at that time, esp. in Russia. Even Rimsky and Tchaikovsky acknowledged their influence.

[@bennyboost]

Was wondering who were the amazing performers of this and then read the Info section and saw Beaux Arts trio. No wonder, of course!

[@olla-vogala4090]

+bennyboost I always provide extensive information on a composition in my descriptions. In this case, the name 'Beaux Arts Trio' was also already present in the first picture of the video ;)

[@limesquared]

I love the notes at 13:09 minutes, the ones that sounds like scrunching sounds...

[@raphg.8403]

The most beautiful slide of the piece : 19:50 🎻

[@rrozoff1]

Starting some forty years ago (though, alas, not regularly enough) I've started Sunday morning (and hence the week) with this perfect piece of Belle Époque music.

[@FlowEckurt]

I was allowed to play this wonderful work several times, it is a pleasure to play and listen to

[@gerardbegni2806]

The very beginning is quite typical of this trio and more generally of Arensky's style. The very first chord link gives a modal feeling, but this is soon contradicted by postromatic harmonies (e.g. we have very soon an Db in D minor, which by no ways can be interpretetd enharmonically as C# and which leads us immediately far from the tonic, in a lnaguage which is closer from a less agitated Chopin than Tchaikovvski's affective exhibitionnism. All this trio is absolutely wonderful. The weakest point is perhaps the beginning of the second movement: though brilliant, it uses D major in a rather conventional way. But immediately after this introduction, Arensky's peculier lyrism comes back. This is probabley thematerpiece of the this poorly known author, just as Taneiev's quintet for piano and strings could be considered as the masterwork of an also poorly contemporary Russian composer. But you can easily think that if this trio is his masterpiece, Arensky's other compositions deserve fully to be carefully heard. Inaddition, note that unfortunately these outstanding Russian composers: Arensky, Taneyev, Scriabin (and even Tchaikovski) died much too early.

[@Jaker99]

The Db at the beginning is by no means leading us 'far from the tonic'. It's simply the flat 6 of f major, which is the parallel of d minor. I really do not sense any kind of modal harmony at that point, but deeply diatonic relationships that have been 'spiced up' by chromaticism...

[@probono3284]

I just thought it was a nice tune! 😉

[@ajedrezblancoynegro8480]

What a present for today! First time I enjoy this piece.

[@lucascoelho9875]

I Akio S2 00:06 tema 1 01:44 tema 2 06:10 desenvolvimento 07:59 recurso timbrístico tema 1 11:36 adagio S2 S2 S2 S2 S2

[@Quue7n]

>The piece is dedicated: "À la memoire de Charles Davidoff Charles Davidoff (Karl Davidoff, Карл Давыдов, 1838-1889) - the director of Saint-Petersburg Conservatoire, one of the best cellists of his time.

[@rrozoff1]

Thank you

[@musiclucedelfiume521]

@@rrozoff1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2HSqndjdrZqpKc

[@rrozoff1]

@@musiclucedelfiume521 Thanks very much. I'm sharing it with others.

[@marcmitchel25]

@@rrozoff1Isn't it today a famous cello?

[@harryandruschak2843]

Another wonderful work I have never heard before. Thank you.

[@AlbertoVerrini]

Amazing... Arensky is the conjunction ring between Ciajkovskij and Franck

[@prodbylaitinen]

Beautiful piece

[@bogdanova2702]

Спасибо

[@f1f1s]

7:38 is tense! And 7:50-7:58 is a hellish nightmare full of dark beasts that gave birth to Liapounov’s 2nd Symphony!

[@susanaalessandretti6257]

Este tema es absolutamente maravilloso,perfecto !!!

[@antongeorgiev8638]

love...

[@musiclucedelfiume521]

Anton Georgiev kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2HSqndjdrZqpKc

[@PieInTheSky9]

Second movement is so lovely!

[@NareshNaresh-lr9nq]

Wow!!!!how moving this masterpiece of art is, specifically ist movement bounds one to swing that i can say it's rollercoaster of emotions

[@4am334]

the 2024 AP music theory exam brought me here ❤

[@moai1005]

yup!!!

[@이현석-l6h]

정말 아름답습니다

[@PGFTopera]

Exceptionnellement envoûtant

[@Luvinpp]

What a extraordinary masterpiece! appreciate to Arensky from Korea beyond the wall of time-space.

[@johnstag1391]

Superb

[@Jova-kt7ix]

great sounds

[@philippecirse4872]

Le tout début est assez typique de ce trio et plus généralement du style d'Arensky. Le tout premier lien d'accord donne une impression modale, mais celle-ci est vite contredite par des harmonies postromatiques (par exemple on a très vite un Réb en ré mineur, qui ne peut en aucun cas être interprété enharmoniquement comme C# et qui nous éloigne immédiatement de la tonique, dans un langage qui se rapproche plus d'un Chopin moins agité que de l'exhibitionnisme affectif de Tchaïkowski. Tout ce trio est absolument merveilleux. Le point le plus faible est peut-être le début du deuxième mouvement : bien que brillant, il utilise le ré majeur de manière assez conventionnelle. après cette introduction, le lyrisme singulier d'Arensky revient

[@JohnFromRI10]

Where has Arensky been all this time? I hope he is to the 2020s as the rediscovered Gustav Mahler was to the 1970s.

[@CaseyWinehouse]

I heard the tail end of the Scherzo to this on NPR last night and the host Bill McGlaughlin really talked up the strings that I was hearing so I did everything I could to find the program playlist and search it. This really is metal as hell.

[@Lerkovac]

Zo mooi! Ik ken het maar heb geen partituur Dank.

[@olla-vogala4090]

+Brigitte,Françine,Elza,Elvire Leirens Graag gedaan! De partituur is hier te vinden: imslp.org/wiki/Piano_Trio_No.1,_Op.32_%28Arensky,_Anton%29 Heeft u zijn 2e piano trio wel een geluisterd? Die heb ik ook met bladmuziek geupload, en is ook een schitterend werk!

[@lokmanmerican6889]

My god, an ad came up for something or other at 10:00, and they want us to keep comments civil.

[@williamshabecoff4048]

So beautiful. That breathing though

[@olla-vogala4090]

+William Shabecoff Somehow I'm never too bothered by breathing in recordings, it gives a kind of personal touch to it.

[@alaskafan21]

Lovely !

[@andreavonwurmb4763]

Thank you for all your wonderful musik. No need to go searching around. This trio is of special importance to me, and Beethoven op. 132 by Alban Berg true redemption. Looking forward to Schnittke, Schostakovitsch... Will search for your new channel if you are taken off again.

[@olla-vogala4090]

+Andrea von Wurmb Thank you for your dedication! Yes this is music of the world, and of world-quality too I'd say :)

[@malcolmnabarro8742]

The performance by the Leonore Trio on Hyperion is worth a comparison. They combine viruosity with an added breadth and drama. My preference. Trio No.2 is also a great find.

[@petersinger1573]

The good Arensky is in my opinion underestimated at least in chamber music

[@lucascoelho9875]

III Ana Laura 19:29 20:55 22:05 23:08

[@jzpatelut]

THANKS FOR VIDEO....JITEN PATEL INDIA jzpatelut..

[@jzpatelut]

THANKS ONCE AGAIN jzpatelut..

[@lucascoelho9875]

Ana Yae e Gui 25:36 compasso 1-34 26:28 compasso 35-37 27:50 compasso 58-65 28:05 compasso 66-95 29:00 compasso 96-115 30:20 compasso 116-123 31:00 compasso 124-137 :)

[@jeanstrubjucker7885]

Una obra preciosa de un compositor de “segunda fila”

[@dacoconutnut9503]

Como assim segunda fila?

[@nss4472]

Solo por no trabajar en géneros grandes, monumentales, como hicieron Tchaikovsky y Rachmaninov: sinfonías, óperas y ballets, música sacra etc. Por eso quedó en sombra, pero Tchaikovsky lo apreciaba y bastante.

[@Queeen7q]

@@nss4472 He wrote three operas, a ballet, two symphonies etc.

[@Daengdan]

nice one

[@Queeen7q]

Anton Arensky, the Rachmaninov 's teacher...

[@user-sh1ke2ji3g]

Bro learning the piano part is killing me it’s all over the place. Beautiful piece though

[@AdelmoLapa]

Maravilhoso!

[@뀰감-r7v]

18:51

[@calebhu6383]

0:06

[@lucascoelho9875]

III: 12:44 13:10 15:09 finais: 0:06 18:50 13:32 26:26 6:10 20:57 28:58 30:15

[@joshua-ly2ch]

Ap music theory exam 2024?

[@navinormusic]

hell yeah XDD

[@4am334]

yess I was vibing

[@리미-q8b]

2,4악장 👍

[@napirol]

١٨.٢.٢٣ ♡.

[@lennykoss8777]

💗🌈💗🌈💗

[@majarimennamazerinth5753]

[@mateuszandrzejewski3616]

Beautiful, but regarding style 50 years back. Sounds like Mendelssohn.

[@killemdeadstudios2020]

I was looking for .T.A.W.O.G.!!! 😡

[@MrShyguyRS]

This is better?

[@fatimacanche9081]

Que obra tan bella aue no conocia

[@DavidSmith-kc4hz]

This, of course, is not the Beaux Trio at all as only one member, Pressler, is present. Why bother listening to this anyway when there is the Heifetz version with all his magical subtleties and the wonderful Pennario.

[@rsjmd]

I can't agree with you here, sorry. Respectfully.Pressler chose the others, such that their abilities, imo, should not be questioned, and their playing is certainly respectable, especially with Pressler leading. One doesn't have to have a Perlman or Ma in the group to be respectable.

[@DavidSmith-kc4hz]

Did not mean to be disrespectful of Pressler. I am merely saying that the trio should not trade under the name of Beaux Art any longer. I do not have the time to hear everything even though these musicians are extremely excellent. I know the Arensky so well and have heard it performed with many different piano trios including with my friends the Bekova sisters trio. Don't know about Perlman, though we did give a copy to Ashkenasy after a recital with Perlman and Ma and they had never heard of it. That was some twenty years ago though. Thank you for your comments.

[@rsjmd]

And thank you as well. My intention was not to be critical, just to counter the idea that the current version of the BAT, is NOT the BAT. If Pressler is at the piano with his picked and practiced accompanists, then it IS the BAT, imo, just as the current version of the Cubs is still the Cubs, even if Tinker, Evers and Chance or Greenberg aren't on the field nor Charley Grimm at the helm.:)

[@rsjmd]

Just for follow up, the BAT retired as such in 2008.

[@marcmitchel25]

I met Mr. Pennario and he talked about playing this in Carnegie Hall.

[@lukasasic]

30:14

[@nananan101]

23:10

[@frankborder]

Ida Kavafian rulez

[@carlosgarciasaltillo3765]

Hay compositores de una sola obra, es el caso de Arensyky esta es su obra, notable, a la altura de los grandes. La interpretación de trío de bellas artes como siempre de lo mejor.

[@milandujardin]

This hurts. Arensky has so much music that is beautiful as well. You just don’t know it… I think you’re one of those Lang Lang fans…

[@jimmylahey4277]

18:51

[@jiminsohn9696]

0:42

[@annalinder9360]

25:35

[@olesscello2218]

0:40

[@olesscello2218]

6:05