EDUARD NÁPRAVNÍK (1839-1916): Piano Trios No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 24 and No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 62, Mélancolie for Piano, Op. 48/3.

Description: Born in Czechoslovakia but a Russian resident for the last 55 years of his life, Nápravník is known as the conductor who made the Mariinsky Theatre the world-class organization it still is today. But he also left 77 opus numbers behind as a composer (four symphonies!). What stands out here is the fact that the slowest tempo indication is molto moderato so Nápravník comes off as a high-spirited Good-Time Charlie. There’s a Russian spirit here, like Tchaikovsky without his dark side, the motifs and melodies are memorable and short periods of slower, slightly more reflective moments give a modicum of shade to the sunny proceedings. More please! Spyros Piano Trio.