Trio Gaspard - Brahms' Pianotrio no. 2

Trio Gaspard

Rich colouring and honest and refreshing playing are what characterise Trio Gaspard. The Gaspards come from Germany, Greece and England and have formed a trio since 2010. The musicians are making waves from London to Shanghai. Last season, the trio was artist in residence at London's Wigmore Hall. Their CV features a whole series of recordings they made for the Chandos label, which feature repertoire ranging from old masterpieces to pieces by contemporary composers. The players also like to dig up rarely played works, an example of which is the work of László Lajtha on the programme at Het Concertgebouw. The trio of this Hungarian is performed alongside music by Haydn and Brahms.

Brahms' Piano Trio No. 2

Brahms worked on his Piano Trio No. 2 from 1880 to 1882, years during which his life changed markedly. As he became more financially independent, he abandoned his career as a piano virtuoso. His piano technique deteriorated. After a playing-through of the new trio, Clara Schumann wrote in her diary: 'Leider nur spielt Brahms immer schrecklicher – es ist nichts mehr als ein Schlagen, Stoßen, Grabbeln!' He grew his famous beard; a society journalist remarked that he once looked like Clara's son and now like her father. Brahms was delighted with the Piano Trio No. 2, writing to his publisher: 'You have never had such a beautiful trio from me.' The demonic element is present in all the movements; alongside the light side, the dark side of human nature sometimes abruptly appears.