A successful performance, then, is all about timing and flow, aside from the general requirement of beautiful ensemble playing at all times. Here the Kungsbacka Trio really excels, finding in all four movements ideal tempos that allow for maximum textural clarity without any sacrifice of brilliance. You can hear this most obviously in the second movement, like that of the Ninth Symphony one of Schubert's unforgettable, bittersweet marches, and most particularly in the finale. It's obvious that these players have got it right when the music of the second movement returns amid the development section: it makes you stop and say "Wait a moment--haven't I heard this before?" The scherzo also manages to be unusually lively and characterful, but still "Allegro moderato", and moreover a different Allegro moderato than that of the finale.

In short, this performance offers both technical excellence and interpretive intelligence in equal measure. Pianist Simon Crawford Phillips in particular knows exactly when to accompany and when to be brilliant. His partners play with a warm, rich tone, terrific intonation, and clearly relish Schubert's use of coloristic devices (such as pizzicato) to provide timbral contrast. There are many fine recordings of this trio, including one on Naxos by the excellent Stuttgart Piano Trio, but this one belongs with the best of them. By the way, it also sounds terrific on an iPod and makes a fantastic after-dinner walk or aerobic workout, especially since the coupled early Trio ("Sonatensatz") in B-flat D. 28 brings the disc timing to just a smidge over a full hour. But whether you're relaxing at home or moving about in some fashion, you'll enjoy this very much. [9/25/2006]