THÉODORE GOUVY (1819-1898): Piano Trios No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 18, No. 3 in B, Op. 19 & No. 4 in F, Op. 22.

Description: Although two of these trios (dating respectively from 1847, 1855 and 1858) were recorded by Orfeo back in 1998 (07A057) the Fourth appears on disc for the first time and all are first recordings on period instruments (the piano is an 1848 Pleyel) and, one might note, the price is right!. Gouvy's Mendelssohnian melodiousness so familiar from his symphonies is fully on display throughout (even Schubertian in the first movement of the Third) and there is an operatic quality to the themes of his slow movements. These works require a demanding, virtuoso technique and are conspicuous for their concentrated motivic treatment, giving the music inner vitality and tension. 2 CDs for the price of 1. Voces Intimae.