Notes and Editorial Reviews
SHOSTAKOVICH
Piano Trios: No. 1 in c; No. 2 in e.
RAVEL
Piano Trio in a
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Fujita Pn Tr
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INTIM 104 (60:16)
This is a disc that deserves attention. Although you’ll probably find more passionate and intense versions of these trios, it’s stands as a convincing release. The Fujita Trio is made up of three Japanese sisters who received their education mainly in London. Their strongest point is their lifelong experience of making music together—which of
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course results in an exact sense for timing and precision. Furthermore, the three sisters have a solid and superior level of playing.
The Trio’s approach to Shostakovich’s music is mainly concentrated on textural clarity and beauty of sound, together with a natural consistency of tempo. Although there’s plenty of passion and excitement throughout, their playing remains a little straightforward—the second-movement Allegro of the Second Trio is a fine example of that. Generally, the slow movements are beautifully sung, albeit with some mannered glissandos and rubato.
Honoka Fujita’s cello sounds especially warm and masculine, her playing is impulsive and very poetic. Megumi Fujita performs with just as much inspiration on the piano. Only violinist Arisa Fujita’s performance could be more inventive. Occasionally, there’s insufficient guidance and leadership in her playing. This unavoidably results in a stationary atmosphere in which the music cannot fully develop. The same goes for the Ravel Trio; it’s technically flawless, but it lacks proper spontaneity. The sound is well balanced and focused, but a little too closely miked.
Maybe the Fujita Trio doesn’t surpass Gidon Kremer’s recording with Argerich and Maisky on Deutsche Grammophon, but it contains a great deal of interesting music-making that makes it worth giving it a try. In short, this recording is a very enjoyable one—without shocking new inventions, but still a pleasure to hear.
FANFARE: Bart Verhaeghe
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Works on This Recording
1.
Trio for Piano and Strings no 1 in C minor, Op. 8 by Dmitri Shostakovich
Performer:
Megumi Fujita (Piano),
Arisa Fujita (Violin),
Honoka Fujita (Cello)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Fujita Piano Trio
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1923; USSR
Length: 12 Minutes 46 Secs.
2.
Trio for Piano and Strings no 2 in E minor, Op. 67 by Dmitri Shostakovich
Performer:
Megumi Fujita (Piano),
Honoka Fujita (Cello),
Arisa Fujita (Violin)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Fujita Piano Trio
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1944; USSR
Length: 25 Minutes 38 Secs.
3.
Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello in A minor by Maurice Ravel
Performer:
Megumi Fujita (Piano),
Honoka Fujita (Cello),
Arisa Fujita (Violin)
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Fujita Piano Trio
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1914; France
Length: 25 Minutes 11 Secs.
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